Ohio County Historical Museum

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Ohio County Historical Museum The Ohio County Historical Museum owned and operated by the Ohio County Historical Society Displays focus on the 1800′s and early 20th century life and events.

Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened its museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been donated by Ohio County residents, their families, and friends. The best known item in the collection is the racing boat, HOOSIER BOY, famous raceboat of the early 1900′s. The boat holds the record between Cincinnati and Louisville, round trip, at 60 mph. It was designed, built and raced by J. W. Whitlock of Rising Sun. Always FREE admission! Donations gratefully accepted. Director: Cliff Thies

Get your raffle tickets……. We are open 7 days a weeks. 10 to 4.
10/01/2026

Get your raffle tickets……. We are open 7 days a weeks. 10 to 4.

We want to welcome our newest member of the OCHS team…… and long last, a new sweeper.
10/01/2026

We want to welcome our newest member of the OCHS team…… and long last, a new sweeper.

Exciting news….. thanks to a project award from Lowe’s we will be able to add yet another great feature to the Courtyar...
09/29/2026

Exciting news….. thanks to a project award from Lowe’s we will be able to add yet another great feature to the Courtyard Garden. More information to follow…. Thank you Lowe’s

We are planning our 2027 events. One of these will be a workshop on how to clean and care for grave markets, headstones ...
09/21/2026

We are planning our 2027 events. One of these will be a workshop on how to clean and care for grave markets, headstones and monuments. Learn the dos and don’ts of cleaning a headstone and some of the basics regarding general cemetery regulations. Moore’s Monument Cleaning will be demonstrating and talking to us regarding the importance of proper care and maintenance of our loved one’s markers.

09/17/2026

sidewheel steamboat Pat Rogers burned and sank on the Ohio River on August 5, 1874, about one mile below Aurora, Indiana.
Key Details of the DisasterDate: August 5, 1874Location: Ohio River, near Laughrey Creek, roughly one mile downstream from Aurora, Indiana.Vessel: Built in Cincinnati in 1872, the Pat Rogers was a wooden-hulled sidewheel packet owned by the U.S. Mail Line Co., running routes between Cincinnati and Louisville.Cause: Bales of cotton part of the cargo caught fire around 5:00 AM, likely ignited by sparks from the boat's chimneys.
The Wreck: The vessel became stuck on a sandbar, trapping people aboard and forcing many into the water. The ship burned completely to the water's edge, resulting in a total loss of the boat and its cargo of livestock.
Casualties: Estimates of lives lost range from around 11 to upwards of 30 fatalities, many of whom were women forced overboard or victims of the severe fire.
I believe they brought the bodies up and laid them like cordwood inside the building that was where Sinclair gas station is now.
It was the Pat Roger's.

We have records of 11 victims of this disaster being found on the sandbar and bank or the Ohio River in front of Rising Sun. They could not be identified and were buried in the Potter’s Field in what we call Union Cemetery. Unmarked graves, locations unknown.

09/17/2026

Take a break during Navy Bean and visit the museum. Free admission. Located just a short walk from Main Street at 212 S.Walnut Street. Open 10 to 4. Lots to see and learn about.

09/15/2026

The museum’s parking lot will be unavailable for public parking September 18 & 19 for a private event.

The old bridge over Laughery Creek, Milton.
09/11/2026

The old bridge over Laughery Creek, Milton.

At long last. A photo of the old Harris house on Second Street. The alley shown is now Jimmy Dorrell Way behind the muse...
09/10/2026

At long last. A photo of the old Harris house on Second Street. The alley shown is now Jimmy Dorrell Way behind the museum. Photo was taken in 1955.

Address

212 S Walnut Street
Rising Sun, IN
47040

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

(812) 438-4915

Website

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