Historic Madison, Inc.

10/22/2026

Turns out we lost track of the days this week! National Archives Day was yesterday, but we didn’t want you to miss out on this amazing photograph from the HMI Archives.

🔍 History lives in more than the buildings that surround us here in Madison. It lives in the letters, photographs, business records, handwritten notes, and everyday documents that help us understand the people who came before us.

This National Archives Day, we celebrate the historians, researchers, archivists, and preservationists who help keep these stories alive for future generations!

Featured here is a photograph of Madison looking out from Telegraph Hill. It’s from the Hutchings Family Collection, which has all those items and more!

10/21/2026

The short answer? No. 😅 The long answer? We can point you in the right direction! If you’re curious about the history of your home, we recommend starting with two wonderful local resources:

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: The library has a digital database dedicated to Jefferson County local history, including resources to help you research a house or building. One of our favorites is the Madison Homes by Street Number resource, which is packed full of local history just waiting to be explored! You can also visit the magnificent staff at the Madison branch to explore the family files, books, and other resources. Jefferson County Public Library - Madison and Hanover

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORY & ART CENTER: The History & Art Center houses an extensive archive from the Jefferson County Historical Society, including manuscripts, photographs, prints, and more. These materials can be wonderful resources for learning more about the people and stories connected to your home. They are adding to their collections too, so if you haven’t checked in a few years, there could be something new. You can explore by completing a registration form on their website or emailing to request an appointment. Jefferson County History & Art Center

Historic homes have stories to tell, and a little research can uncover fascinating pieces of Madison’s past. Exploring all of our amazing history hubs can provide you with phenomenal details of your past, whether it's your home, your town, or your family.

Happy house hunting through history! 🗝️

10/20/2026

Come see for yourself! We have guided tours on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1:30 PM through October 31st. $15 per person. Students, children, and HMI members are always free.

Hailed as the finest of America’s Greek Revival buildings, the Shrewsbury-Windle House boasts a 3-story spiral staircase, 16-foot ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and ornate stone details. Designed by Francis Costigan 175 years ago, its 13 rooms include one of the most original pre-Civil War Drawing Rooms in the U.S.

Seeing this after October 31st? No problem. Contact us and schedule your own private, guided tour.

10/20/2026

We had some BIG HELP show up last week! We are moving the needle, but we still need your support to achieve our goal by the end of the month! You can contribute here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ETW8QKXNHAGJ4

We had some BIG HELP show up last week! We are moving the needle, but we still need your support to achieve our goal by the end of the month! You can contribute here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ETW8QKXNHAGJ4

Every dollar counts!

10/19/2026

There’s still time to join us for a public historic tour this October! Can’t make one this month? Private tours are available by contacting our office by phone at (812)-265-2967 or by email at [email protected].

Our tours are perfect for 📍 Locals looking to discover something new, 🗺️ Visitors curious about Madison’s rich history, 🏛️ Students interested in history, architecture, and the humanities, 👩‍👦Families looking for a fun, educational experience everyone can enjoy, 🏫Schools planning educational field trips that bring history to life

We’re already scheduling tours at our available properties for the upcoming winter months!

Visit our website to learn more and plan your tour!

10/16/2026

We had a wonderful time at our very first Cocktails & Kaftans at the historic Shrewsbury-Windle House!

Guests gathered for fall-inspired cocktails & mocktails, fascinating stories, and a fresh look at the women who have shaped the history of making and drinking alcohol. 🥂 Historian and HMI Director of Programs, Jessica Spiess, took us on a journey through the history of women and alcohol, from the ancient women who brewed b**r to the stories of Ninkasi and St. Hildegard of Bingen. We also raised a glass to the late Ann Windle, who was known to enjoy a little bourbon herself! 🥃

It was an evening filled with laughter and meaningful connection. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for this inaugural gathering and helped make our first Cocktails & Kaftans such a lovely night! Special thanks to River House Event Co. for the high top tables that made our gathering extra special!

Here’s to celebrating history!

10/16/2026

Join Historic Madison, Inc. (HMI) in welcoming our newest team member, Anna Sutter! As our Digital Content Associate, Anna works behind the scenes to develop social media content, refresh our website, prepare press releases, and continue digitizing our extensive archives.

Anna is a local. She was raised here and graduated from Southwestern Jr./Sr. High School in 2012 before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Butler University. The picture from the Madison Courier is of her in 4th grade on a visit to the Schroeder Saddletree Factory!

She looks forward to strengthening HMI’s digital footprint, expanding awareness of the organization within the community, and sparking curiosity about local history. Anna believes that the people who came before us have a lot to teach us, making her a great fit for HMI!

If you see her around town or at an HMI event, feel free to say hi!

10/16/2026

We have lots of tours and fun in Madison this weekend, but if you need something a bit different, our friends at Historic Eleutherian College, Inc. are having their annual fall gathering!

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.

10/15/2026

Don’t miss your final chance in 2026 to join our FREE Architectural Walking Tour! Bring the whole family! Adults, kids, and even your four-legged friends are welcome.

Tour details:
📌 60-90 minutes
📌 12 blocks (~ 1 mile)
📌 Begins and ends at HMI Headquarters (the Talbott-Hyatt House), 301 W. Second St.

Discover Madison’s architectural treasures while exploring three prominent architectural styles found throughout the district: Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate.

Along the way, you’ll learn what makes Historic Madison’s architecture so unique and discover why historic preservation is essential to protecting the character and stories of our community. Join us for one last Architectural Walking Tour in 2026!