Historic Eleutherian College, Inc.

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Historic Eleutherian College, Inc. Historic Eleutherian College was founded in 1848 by the Neill's Creek Anti-Slavery Society to educate all, regardless of race or gender.

Our mission is to continue that purpose by telling their stories. Historic Eleutherian College is a historical site, dedicated to teaching the truth on the underground railroad. The system that operated in southeastern Indiana. System is used because it was indeed a system. A well organized system, that helped those kept in bondage, to obtain freedom. It was not only freedom from chains of body, but also chains of the mind. Bodily freedom was a foundation. The mind needed education to complete the process of total freedom.

10/17/2026

Beautiful vocals!

Tomorrow! See you on College Hill. You won't want to miss it!
10/16/2026

Tomorrow! See you on College Hill. You won't want to miss it!

Historic Eleutherian College Board President Jan Vetrhus participate in the Indiana Freedom Trails, Inc. Community Sympo...
10/07/2026

Historic Eleutherian College Board President Jan Vetrhus participate in the Indiana Freedom Trails, Inc. Community Symposium in celebration of International Underground Railroad Month.

The symposium brought together historians and educators to share knowledge and inspire continued efforts to preserve these important stories.

Jan represented Historic Eleutherian College and shared in the important history of the HEC's and Madison, Indiana's Underground Railroad history.

Mark Your Calendars! Our Fall Gathering is October 17th! 10 AM to 4 PMJoin us at Historic Eleutherian College for a day ...
10/06/2026

Mark Your Calendars! Our Fall Gathering is October 17th! 10 AM to 4 PM

Join us at Historic Eleutherian College for a day filled with music, history, archaeology, and stories that connect our past to the present.

Music at 11 AM & 3 PM
Experience an engaging musical journey featuring Tabitha Tolbert, performing a selection of her original songs woven together with timely 19th-century covers. Joining Tabitha is Kyla Renae, whose soulful voice and original music bring a warm, vibrant energy to this reflection on an era when music brought communities together.

Archaeology Talk at 1 PM
Dr. Sean O’Neill, archaeology professor at Hanover College, will share insights into the past and the discoveries that help bring history to life.

History Presentations at 12 PM & 2 PM
Local historian, professional genealogist and HEC board member Phyllis Codling McLaughlin will share the results of nearly a decade of research into Robert Jefferson’s family, including DNA research involving living descendants to establish his relationship to Thomas Jefferson.

Phyllis will also share highlights from her recent trip with two of Robert Jefferson’s descendants to the Families of Monticello conference in Washington, D.C., held September 22–23, 2026.

Tours Throughout the Day
Between presentations and performances, we’ll be offering tours of Historic Eleutherian College—giving you the chance to explore this remarkable place and discover more of its history.

Travel Note for Visitors
INDOT has closed State Road 7 near Madison, between Deputy Pike Road and Dawson Smith Road, over Big Clifty Creek. The official detour is State Road 62 → State Road 256 → State Road 3. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

Work on the HEC roof has begun!
10/04/2026

Work on the HEC roof has begun!

09/19/2026

We had a great visit with members of the Indiana African American Genealogy society today! More than 35 genealogists came for a day of learning Madison’s Black history from Indianapolis and we were their first stop! Two members took advantage of our wonderful acoustics in the chapel!

The final summer concert is this Sunday, September 20th, at 3pm and features The Herschberger Family, who will be singin...
09/14/2026

The final summer concert is this Sunday, September 20th, at 3pm and features The Herschberger Family, who will be singing a variety of gospel and folk music, contemporary and traditional.

This musical family sings harmony and plays a variety of instruments to accent their voices. You may have heard them at the Open Mic Nights at the Drake or at the St. Cecilia festival at Christ Episcopal Church in Madison. We can't wait!

If you're planning on joining us, please note:

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure on State Road 7 in Jefferson County.

Beginning on or around Tuesday, September 8, crews will close State Road 7 near Madison. This closure will occur between Deputy Pike Road and Dawson Smith Road over Big Clifty Creek.

This road closure will allow for a small structure replacement project. Work is expected to last through the end of November, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is State Road 62 to State Road 256 to State Road 3. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

Join us as we listen to the old-time, bluegrass, blues, country, and cajun tunes of Squirrel Butter this Sunday, Aug 23 ...
08/20/2026

Join us as we listen to the old-time, bluegrass, blues, country, and cajun tunes of Squirrel Butter this Sunday, Aug 23 at the Historic Eleutherian College.

Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with Music at Historic Eleutherian College!

Join us on select Sundays throughout the summer for an inspiring series of live musical performances in a beautiful historic setting.

2026 Event Lineup:
- June 28 – West of Dublin (Irish, Celtic & Mountain Music)
- July 19 – Rev. Leggett: The Legacy of Gospel Music
- August 2 – Visions Jazz Ensemble: Of the People
- August 23 – Squirrel Butter: Community-Based Social Square Dancing
- September 20 – The Hershberger Family: Family Harmony

Tours of the college begin at 1:00 PM
Events begin at 3:00 PM
🎟️ FREE admission

Plus, don't miss our Annual Fall Gathering!
Saturday, October 17 | 10 AM – 5 PM

📍 Historic Eleutherian College
6927 IN S.R. 250 W, Madison, IN 47250

Learn more: https://eleutherian-college.org/upcoming-events-at-hec/

Address

6927 W Sr 250
Madison, IN
47250

Telephone

+18127482540

Website

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