Jefferson County History & Art Center

Jefferson County History & Art Center The Center offers a variety of local history and art exhibits, a research library and archives. Take a moment to relax near our beautiful fountain.

Owned and operated by the Jefferson County Historical Society, established in 1850. Located in the heart of Madison's National Historic Landmark District, the History Center has much to offer. Our museum is the perfect way to start your journey into the rich history of Madison and Jefferson County told through interesting exhibits. Explore our restored 1895 railroad station museum with a model of

Madison's early railroad. Don't miss the 1918 caboose with a look-out - a favorite with children. Browse our Museum Store with gifts, local interest books and in-house publications. For researchers, our extensive Research Library and Archives have over 25,000 images, thousands of documents of early governmental records, and local family genealogy. Educational programs are offered throughout the year, including an annual student art show, summer camp and holiday workshops. We are conveniently located at the corner of First and Mill Streets. Just look for the Red Caboose!

Graduation season is upon us here in Jefferson County! As we transition into summer, we want to congratulate all graduat...
05/29/2026

Graduation season is upon us here in Jefferson County! As we transition into summer, we want to congratulate all graduates, be it high school, college, or technical school, on reaching this exciting milestone and beginning the next chapter of their lives.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉

While graduation traditions and customs have certainly changed over the years, the excitement, pride, and anticipation of what comes next remains the same, generation after generation.

From the History & Art Center archives, we’re sharing:

🎓 The Hanover College graduating class of 1922

🎓 A 1943 high school graduation portrait of Mary Louise Eisenhardt

🎓 A 1954 Central High School graduation portrait of Lynn Rogers

Feel free to share your own Class of 2026 graduation photos in the comments! 📸📸

Have you been to the History & Art Center recently?Currently on display is a recently acquired Conn organ donated by the...
05/27/2026

Have you been to the History & Art Center recently?

Currently on display is a recently acquired Conn organ donated by the family of William J. Harness, the last manager of Madison’s Conn organ plant.

Many Jefferson County residents may remember when Conn was one of Madison’s major employers during the height of the home organ boom in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Originally founded in Elkhart, Indiana, the C. G. Conn company became one of America’s most important musical instrument manufacturers, known first for brass instruments before expanding into electronic organs after World War II.

Conn opened its Madison plant in 1959 as demand for home organs exploded across the country. The factory produced organs and electronic components that found their way into homes, schools, churches, and music rooms nationwide. For roughly two decades, the plant played an important role in Madison’s industrial and musical history before the organ industry declined in the late 1970s.

Do we have any organ players here in Jefferson County who know how to play one of these incredible instruments? We want to hear from you!

Please email our Associate Director Jared Anderson at [email protected].

From the Jefferson County Historical Society archival collection comes this beautiful vintage Memorial Day postcard, fea...
05/25/2026

From the Jefferson County Historical Society archival collection comes this beautiful vintage Memorial Day postcard, featuring flowing American flags and the poignant words: “But his soul goes marching on.”

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day emerged after the Civil War as communities gathered to honor those who gave their lives in military service. Postcards like this one became a meaningful way for Americans in the early 20th century to express remembrance and gratitude.

Today, we pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country! Their service, and their stories, remain an important part of our shared history.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

In May of 1900, students from Hanover College set out on a zoological excursion to Bundy’s Farm near Mitchell, Indiana. ...
05/20/2026

In May of 1900, students from Hanover College set out on a zoological excursion to Bundy’s Farm near Mitchell, Indiana. This area is now preserved as Spring Mill State Park.

More than 125 years later, this photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into student life, scientific study, and outdoor exploration at the turn of the 20th century. Long before modern highways and classrooms filled with technology, students learned by venturing directly into Indiana’s forests, streams, and caves to study the natural world firsthand.

We are deeply honored to share that the Jefferson County Historical Society received the DAR Excellence in Historic Pres...
05/20/2026

We are deeply honored to share that the Jefferson County Historical Society received the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award at last night’s Drusilla Cravens DAR Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating the preservation of our community’s history alongside fellow honorees Drusilla Cravens, with her award given posthumously to her great nephew Boone Lodge, and former historical society director Joe Carr, recipient of the Historic Preservation Certificate of Recognition.

We are incredibly grateful to the John Paul Chapter DAR for this recognition and for their continued dedication to preserving and celebrating our local history. Awards like this are a reminder that the work of protecting Jefferson County’s stories, places, and heritage truly matters! We are thankful to everyone who supports that mission.

Photographed (L-R) is Margaret Nowling (Southern Indiana folk School), Sally McWilliams (John Paul Chapter of DAR), John Nyberg JCHS Executive Director, Jared Anderson JCHS Associate Director, and Frank Taff Board President accepting the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award

05/19/2026

There’s nothing better than seeing young minds curious about history and excited to explore the stories of our community. Thanks again for visiting! 🤗

Today is International Museum Day! On International Museum Day, we celebrate the importance of preserving and sharing th...
05/18/2026

Today is International Museum Day! On International Museum Day, we celebrate the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our community and the communities of Jefferson County. Museums are more than buildings filled with artifacts… they are places where history comes alive and where we learn not only where we came from, but how that history continues to shape us today!

The Jefferson County Historical Society is proud to care for multiple pieces of our county’s story through the Jefferson County History & Art Center and the Railroad Station Museum, as well as our restored caboose display. Each location helps preserve a unique chapter of Jefferson County’s rich heritage for future generations to experience and enjoy.

We are also incredibly grateful for the support our community continues to show our museums. Since reopening for the season in March, we have already welcomed nearly 2,000 visitors through our doors. Every visit, donation, and shared story helps keep Jefferson County history alive!

Thank you for supporting local museums, local history, and the preservation of the stories that matter most. Come and visit us!

Wow Madison, Friday night was incredible. What a fantastic evening at Tales from Springdale! 🪦We are beyond thankful for...
05/17/2026

Wow Madison, Friday night was incredible. What a fantastic evening at Tales from Springdale! 🪦

We are beyond thankful for the overwhelming support shown by our community. Attendance far exceeded what we anticipated, and seeing so many people walking the cemetery grounds, learning local history, and supporting our mission made the night truly special. Because of your support, we are already eagerly looking forward to making Tales from Springdale an annual tradition.

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and helped raise funds for the Jefferson County Historical Society. Your support directly helps us continue preserving and sharing the rich history of our community.

A very special thank you goes out to our AMAZING volunteers and presenters, whose hard work, dedication, and countless hours made this event possible. From planning and setup to performances and guiding guests throughout the evening, this event simply could not have happened without you.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our 2026 sponsors for believing in what we do and helping make events like this possible:
🔘 Jan Vetrhus
🔘 Jefferson County Board of Tourism
🔘 Royer Corporation
🔘 Dennis and Diane Munier
🔘 Madison Music Movement
🔘 Daniel and Jessica Butler
🔘 Friendship State Bank
🔘 German American Bank
🔘 James Olson
🔘 Karen Modisett
🔘 Tom and Mary Eckert
🔘 Meyer Foods

Be sure to like and follow our page, because we have several exciting community activities and events coming soon, including a music series, new exhibits at the History & Art Center, a brand-new fall event that we’ll be announcing later this year, an exciting partnership with Madison Main Street and much more still to come.

From all of us at the Jefferson County Historical Society: thank you again for making this such a memorable and successful evening. We can’t wait to do it again! 🤗

Still looking for something fun to do tonight? We’ve got you covered! Come on down to Springdale Cemetery anytime betwee...
05/15/2026

Still looking for something fun to do tonight? We’ve got you covered! Come on down to Springdale Cemetery anytime between 5:00-9:00pm and explore Madison’s past with us at Tales from Springdale!

Tickets are $25.00 and all proceeds benefit the Jefferson County Historical Society and Springdale Cemetery. Tickets will be available at the gate tonight, as well as at the History & Art Center until 3:30pm.

🎟️: https://tickets.madtixevents.com/e/talesfromspringdale2026-05-15-26

Below is the map that everyone will receive upon arriving. See you all tonight! 🪦

Address

615 West First Street
Madison, IN
47250

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 10pm - 3:30pm
Thursday 10am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+18124933844

Website

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