Historic Eleutherian College, Inc.

04/13/2026

We had a terrific Saturday building community and discovering our history.

Thank you to author David Goodrich for a fantastic book presentation on his work retracing the Underground Railroad, and for the incredible community members who came out to the college via trolley and bike!

Stay tuned for more HEC events!

03/22/2026

We are just 2 weeks away from On The Road to Freedom!

Author David Goodrich will be presenting and signing his book at Eleutherian College on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 12 PM, following the bike and trolley tour.

Email [email protected] to register for the bike or trolley ride.

https://eleutherian-college.org/event/on-the-road-to-freedom-april-4th-2026/

03/07/2026

A HUGE thank you to these group of students from Madison Consolidated High School, who volunteered this week at the Historic Eleutherian College as a way to give back to their community!

03/03/2026

First HEC of the year!

Meet author David Goodrich for a powerful book presentation & signing at Eleutherian College on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 12 PM.

Discover the incredible journey of retracing the Underground Railroad by bicycle and follow in the path of Harriet Tubman and the courageous freedom seekers who risked everything for freedom.

- Free guided 20-mile bike ride (10 miles each way)
- Free trolley transportation (limited seating)

Email [email protected] to register for the bike or trolley ride.

Visit Madison Indiana

https://eleutherian-college.org/event/on-the-road-to-freedom-april-4th-2026/

02/23/2026

Historic Eleutherian College Board President Jan Vetrhus to Discuss HEC History As Part of Black History Month Programming

🗓 Thursday, Feb. 26
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fairfield Inn & Suites - Picker Room

02/17/2026

At about 14, Juliet Wilson was a free person of color who attended Eleutherian College, an educational institution established in Lancaster, Jefferson County, Indiana, in 1848 by local anti-slavery advocates. Enrollment to the school was open to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of race or gender.

But it was not free. Tuition was required, but in some instances—such as the case of Moses Broyles—students could work in exchange for payment. In Juliet’s case, her tuition likely was paid through a trust set up by her father, Jackson, Mississippi, physician Miller Willson. Read more about Juliet:

Eleutherian College Student from Mississippi

02/03/2026

2026 marks the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this anniversary, we are featuring the many resources of all types in Indiana that are designated National Historic Landmarks. To learn more about these resources, visit the State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD): on.IN.gov/SHAARD. To learn more about the National Historic Landmark program, visit: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1582/index.htm

Located near Lancaster and built between 1854 - 1856, the Eleutherian College Classroom and Chapel building is historically significant for its involvement in the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movements in Southern Indiana prior to the Civil War. Additionally, Eleutherian College was the first college in Indiana to admit students without regard to race or gender. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997 (NR-1165).

01/31/2026

Celebrating Black History Month!

Join community members each Thursday night in February for a powerful series honoring Black history, culture, and storytelling. From authors and historians to musicians and filmmakers, these evenings spotlight voices and stories that inspire learning, reflection, and connection.

🗓 Every Thursday in February
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fairfield Inn & Suites – Madison / Picker Room

Come listen, learn, and celebrate history, creativity, resilience, and impact across generations.

01/09/2026

Beautiful sunrise on College Hill ☀

01/09/2026

From inspiring moments to unforgettable gatherings, 2025 was filled with tons of connection, growth, and memories we’re proud to carry forward. We hosted incredible events at the Historic Eleutherian College, met amazing people, and shared and celebrated important history.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, collaborated and made each moment special. None of this would have been possible without you!

12/16/2025

We are saddened to share that HEC board member Roland Newman passed away. Roland was an excellent person and project manager who volunteer his time managing the renovation of the Hoyt House. Please keep Roland’s family in your thoughts.

Mr. Roland Henson Newman, age 80, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on April 19, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, He was the loving son of the late Harry L. and Theresa Genus Newman. He was raised in Chicago and later in Indianapolis, graduating from Shortridge High School in 1964. He

10/28/2025

We were thrilled to have a group of 10 freshmen from Madison Consolidated High School volunteer at Historic Eleutherian College last week as part of their community service.

They were an amazing group and worked hard to beautify the college grounds and the Hoyt House. Thank you, Madison Consolidated High School, for helping us care for this important piece of history.