Mission

The mission of the Putnam County Museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret the natural, historical, and cultural heritage and life of the county and to benefit the community through education, exhibits, and special programs.

History

In the late 1900's the Putnam County Historical Society, led by Dr. Don Brattain, began exploring the possibility of a permanent location to collect preserve, and protect artifacts pertaining to Putnam County and its people.  Assisted by Main Street Greencastle, the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Historical Society held public meetings at the Putnam County Library to convene interested citizens.

From the first gatherings in 2000 until 2002 when a location was secured, volunteers formed a board of directors, wrote policies and procedures, elected Dr. Brattain its first president, and hired Sarah Beaver as its first director.

Dr. Brattain was also the president of the Putnam County Cemetery Board at that time.  When the county bought the old Jones School for a courthouse annex, Dr. Brattain secured a room for the office of the Putnam County Cemetery Board which was shared with the fledgling Museum.  We had a greatly used desk, chair, filing cabinet and an abundance of warm afternoon sun from a glass wall with a western exposure!

Under Miss Beaver's direction, volunteers gathered artifacts, shared time and treasure, and rapidly outgrew the allotted space.  The commissioners assigned an adjoining room to the Museum space, but that was soon filled by enthusiastic supporters.  Sarah Beaver married and moved away, giving us the opportunity to hire Stacy Klingler who supervised the move into the present location at 1105 North Jackson Street.

Landlords Mark and Angela Timm negotiated with the Museum Board in 2005 to facilitate the move.  Soon volunteers packed artifacts, remodeled the former Kroger Store location, and opened for business in 2006.

Ms Klingler was hired by the Indiana Historical Society and was followed by director Jennifer Ro assisted by Anne Lovold.  After Miss Ro's resignation, Anne Lovold was promoted to director and assistant directory, Tanis Monday, was hired.

The Museum is open 5 days per week and by appointment.  It is the scene of community gatherings and proudly displays glimpses of Putnam County past and present overseen by a professional staff and a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers.