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!

Today we commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their free...
06/19/2026

Today we commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has become a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, and community.

This weekend, we encourage everyone to take part in Madison’s Juneteenth celebrations, including the 5K Run/Kids Dash on Saturday and the community picnic on the Lanier Mansion lawn on Sunday. These events provide an opportunity to come together, celebrate, and reflect on the significance of this important day.

The celebration continues next week at the Jefferson County History & Art Center with a special Juneteenth exhibit, open June 22–27. The exhibit explores the history and legacy of Juneteenth while highlighting stories and experiences that continue to shape our community today.

We hope you’ll join us as we honor this important chapter of American history.

The museum will be closed today, Friday June 19th, in honor of the holiday. We are open Saturday with our normal hours.

Today marks the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944: the day Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in hist...
06/06/2026

Today marks the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944: the day Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history and began the liberation of Western Europe from N**i occupation. American, British, Canadian, French, and other Allied servicemen fought side-by-side on the beaches of Normandy and in the skies and fields beyond, opening a path that would ultimately bring N**i Germany to its knees.

Jefferson County answered the call to service during World War II. Many local men served before, during, and in the critical weeks and months following the Normandy invasion. Some landed in France, some arrived as reinforcements, some flew missions overhead, and others helped sustain the massive Allied advance across Europe. Their courage was part of a worldwide effort to restore freedom and defeat tyranny.

As our nation prepares to commemorate America 250, we are reminded that the story of the United States is not only told through presidents and generals, but through ordinary citizens who stepped forward when history demanded it. The young men of Jefferson County stood alongside Canadians, Britons, French forces, and countless others in one of history’s defining moments.

The photographs shared here feature just a few of the local servicemen who served in the Normandy campaign. Some of these heroes now rest in Normandy, while others returned home and are buried here in Jefferson County. This is by no means a complete list of the men and women from our community who served during World War II, but it is an opportunity to remember their sacrifice and honor their legacy.

Let us never forget. 🇺🇸 🇫🇷

Photographs below are in this order:

Dr. Merritt Oakley Alcorn, commanded three landing crafts during the invasion

Clarence Adrian Nolan, parachuted onto the beaches of Normandy during the campaign

Guy Willard Sprong, Army staff Sargent during the Normandy campaign, resulting in being awarded five bronze stars

Sgt Maj Carrol Hugh Pender Sr, served with the Canadian army prior to the USA entering the war; would later serve in Vietnam and perish there

Now Open: Red, White, and Blue! 🇺🇸The Jefferson County Historical Society is proud to present Red, White, and Blue, a sp...
06/04/2026

Now Open: Red, White, and Blue! 🇺🇸

The Jefferson County Historical Society is proud to present Red, White, and Blue, a special temporary exhibit celebrating patriotism, craftsmanship, and local history.

Created in collaboration with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this exhibit features over 15 beautiful quilts created and shared by local DAR members. Each quilt tells a unique story through color, design, and tradition.

In addition to these stunning textile works, visitors will discover a variety of red, white, and blue artifacts from the Jefferson County Historical Society’s permanent collection, highlighting how these iconic colors have appeared throughout our community’s history.

This exhibit is only here for a limited time, so be sure to visit before it closes at the end of the month!

📍 Jefferson County History & Art Center
615 W. First Street
Madison, Indiana 47250

🕒 Museum Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays and Sundays

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Come celebrate history, heritage, and community through this colorful display of local treasures and handcrafted artistry. We look forward to seeing you! 🇺🇸🧵✨

🥫 Madison Made? Snider’s Catsup and Jefferson County History 🥫Did you know that Madison was once home to a Snider’s Cats...
06/03/2026

🥫 Madison Made? Snider’s Catsup and Jefferson County History 🥫

Did you know that Madison was once home to a Snider’s Catsup factory?

For decades, Snider’s was one of America’s most popular catsup brands. Historic advertisements boasted that tomatoes were processed quickly after harvest, sometimes going from field to factory in a single day. The company promoted its product as “pure and wholesome” and emphasized the quality of its tomatoes.

Many of Madison’s oldest residents remember the factory on Mill Street, where the smell of tomatoes and food processing would have been a familiar part of riverfront life during the canning season.

Today, Snider’s bottles, crates, and advertisements are prized collectibles, reminding us of a time when Madison’s industries helped feed families across the country.

📸 Do you have a memory of the Snider’s factory?
📸 Have you ever found a Snider’s bottle, advertisement, or crate?
📸 Did a parent, grandparent, or relative work there?

Share your stories and photos in the comments! We’d love your help preserve this piece of Madison history! 🍅 🍅 🍅

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

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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