Vigo County History Center

Vigo County History Center 929 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
www.vchsmuseum.org
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Sometimes we receive some fascinating research requests that can unlock history mysteries. This photo of a late 1800's (...
06/03/2026

Sometimes we receive some fascinating research requests that can unlock history mysteries. This photo of a late 1800's (1890's?) F.O.E. Fraternal Order of Eagles #291 baseball team shows the Great Grandfather of Chip Zelch. Chip shared an image of his photo with us because he knows his Great Grandfather, Benjamin Fink, lived in Terre Haute for some time in his younger years and is interested in learning more about his life here and the photo. That's Benjamin on the far left.
Researching family heirlooms, stories, and the lives of our ancestors can give us a deeper understanding of ourselves as well as our community.

You don’t have to pay admission to visit the History Center, Main Street gift shop. Just come on in and check out all th...
06/01/2026

You don’t have to pay admission to visit the History Center, Main Street gift shop. Just come on in and check out all the great gifts for Dad! Including”I got Railroaded…” T-Shirts.

The gift shop is open during normal museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM 

Constructed in 1899, the Big Four Railroad Depot in Terre Haute was a major passenger station for the Cleveland, Cincinn...
05/29/2026

Constructed in 1899, the Big Four Railroad Depot in Terre Haute was a major passenger station for the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway, better known as the “Big Four Railroad.” It was created by the consolidation of multiple railroad companies, including the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railway, the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway, and the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis & Chicago Railway.

The nickname “Big Four” refers to the four principal cities connected by the system: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis.

These railways formed an essential transportation network across the Midwest. For decades, the depot welcomed travelers as well as freight traffic (like coal & building materials) through Terre Haute. This is what established our city as a vital railroad crossroads in Indiana.

Remember Throwback Thursday? Today we're bringing back the past... Chances are you've probably heard of the "Big Four" o...
05/28/2026

Remember Throwback Thursday? Today we're bringing back the past...
Chances are you've probably heard of the "Big Four" or the Big Four Depot. But do you know what 4 lines came together to form this famous railroad system and give the station its name??

It’s Indy 500 Race Weekend!! Few names are more connected to the legacy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than the one ...
05/22/2026

It’s Indy 500 Race Weekend!!
Few names are more connected to the legacy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than the one signed on this glass- Tony Hulman. 🏁

This commemorative Libbey glass, bearing Hulman’s signature, is a standout piece in the History Center museum collection of Indy 500 artifacts. It’s a reminder of the traditions, leadership, and history that helped shape “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

As engines roar this weekend, we’re raising a glass to the enduring legacy of the Indy 500.

You never know what historical treasures will come through the door at the History Center. This week Steve Dilworth drop...
05/16/2026

You never know what historical treasures will come through the door at the History Center. This week Steve Dilworth dropped by with a glass cane made at the Root Glass Company in Terre Haute. The cane was blown and hand formed by Cal Dean, brother of Earl Dean who had designed the iconic contour Coca-Cola bottle.

Museum curator, Suzy Dunning, accepted the donated family heirloom into the History Center’s collection. It will be displayed in the Coca-Cola exhibit on the museum’s first floor.

This Saturday, we’re honoring two groups who dedicate their lives to serving our community every day ❤️💙In celebration o...
05/12/2026

This Saturday, we’re honoring two groups who dedicate their lives to serving our community every day ❤️💙

In celebration of National Nurses Day and Police Week, the Vigo County History Center is offering FREE admission to all nurses and police officers on Saturday, May 16th 👮‍♂️🩺

Join us for a day of history, appreciation, and community, Saturday only!

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! The Vigo County History Center recognizes the hard work and dedication of those who brin...
05/08/2026

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! The Vigo County History Center recognizes the hard work and dedication of those who bring history, knowledge, and creativity to life for students of all ages.
This Saturday (May 9th, 2026) we are celebrating our local educators by offering FREE admission, to teachers.

THIS OFFER IS FOR TEACHERS ONLY! Teachers show your ID badge at the front desk and receive free admission. Additional guests must pay regular price of admission.

Photo of Terre Haute’s first school teachers,
Hook School- 1883 Ambrotype photo

The James Hook School was located at 4th and Mulberry Streets. At the time of its construction, in 1857, it was known as the First District School. It was indeed the city’s first educational landmark.

Address

929 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN
47807

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(812) 235-9717

Website

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