Carroll County Historical Museum

During the early part of the 1900s many things were being done in Carroll County - among them a new modern courthouse was built; a historical society formed; and through their efforts a room for a museum was established in the courthouse. A call was issued to the people to bring in items that were relevant to our history and heritage. It is very apparent that the response was very successful; as many of the items are on display today.

In the 1920s, this one project alone helped to preserve many items that would have otherwise been lost or destroyed. When the first Historical Society ceased to be active, the museum was closed for periods of time. During the 1930's and early 1940's the W. P. A. sponsored through the Indiana Historical Bureau, such projects as the museum.

At that time a Mr. Andrew Fogelsong was Curator. Later, Mrs. Dora Thomas Mayhill, local historian, assisted and opened the museum for visitation. As the years passed the museum remained closed except for occasional openings on Old Settler's Day and upon personal requests. With no Historical Society to oversee the museum, it came under the guardianship of the County Commissioners. Years flew by, and the museum was still closed; and then in the 1960's Gamma Gamma Nu Sorority cleaned and organized the museum and had it open for at least two occasions.

In November 1967, the Carroll County Historical Society petitioned and received control of the museum, and have operated it since then. Displays were cleaned, organized and items recorded and the museum was prepared for visitation. Mrs. Don Moore, a member of the Executive Board, was appointed Curator, and under her guidance the museum has continued to grow and become an active part of our community.

Realizing that the room the Museum occupied was not nearly large enough, the officers and the executive board began to look around for new quarters. A proposal was made and accepted by the County to have the "old assembly room" in the courthouse repaired and made the new home for the museum. This room has many advantages -being on the first floor, it is convenient for all; it is well lighted; there are many more display cases; more room for everything.

We are indebted to many people for their advice, encouragement, work, and support of our fine museum. We particularly are indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Don Moore for the many, many hours devoted to the museum. In a small way we may take some of the credit for the new quarters; but most of the credit belongs to the fine people who have supported it. The officers and the executive board WELCOMES YOU to this fine facility and we do hope you will take time to view all of our displays.