Welcome to the Putnam County Museum
BRIDGING GENERATIONS
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
PRESERVING
THE PAST
765.653.8419
Putnam County Museum
1105 North Jackson Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
Executive Director
Lisa Mock
765.653.8419 – Office
765.655.5653 - Mobile
Officers
Larry Tippin – President
Gwen Morris– Vice President
Murray Pride – Treasurer
Steve Bonney– Secretary
Board of Directors
Steve Bonney
Margaret Kenton
Curt Kromminaker
Lora Scott
Vicki Timm
Jordan Vaughn
Since 2003, the Museum has been bridging generations, connecting communities, and helping to preserve Putnam County’s past. Whether you are a lifelong resident of the area or a visitor to our community, you are cordially invited to visit us and learn more about Putnam County.
The mission of the Putnam County Museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the county.
The Museum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and contributions are tax deductible. Dues and donations are the main source of the Museum's operating funds.
History
In the late 1990's the Putnam County Historical Society sought a permanent home for the collection, preservation and protection of artifacts and stories relating to Putnam County and its people. Public meetings were held in concert with Main Street Greencastle, the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and interested community members.
Education
The Putnam County Museum is a great local history resource for educators and parents. We welcome children of all ages and grades for field trips. Third and fourth grade classes receive special invitations because a trip to the Museum complements the Indiana and Putnam County history curriculum.
Our Education Committee, composed of active and retired teachers, has created engaging programs for students. We have linked the information to Indiana Standards for your teaching convenience.
Please book field trips four weeks in advance, giving more than one possible date for a visit. We recommend spending a minimum of 60-90 minutes at the Museum. Please contact us for further information.
For Parents
Parents are also welcome to use our educational resources and programs. Our interactive features are a fun way for children to learn about their local history and culture. To schedule a private tour of the Museum for the whole family, please contact us.
Educational Programs
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Life 100 Years Ago
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Putnam County Folklore
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School at the turn of the century (Emma Stigler, Putnam County Schoolmarm)
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Chewing Gum Lady (Edith Browning)
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Famous Figures/Places of Putnam County (Recommended for 4th grade)
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Round Barns of Indiana
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Dillinger’s Greencastle Heist
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Abraham Lincoln Story, including county connections (Recommended for 4th grade)
Beginning (1990's-2003)
In the late 1990's the Putnam County Historical Society sought a permanent home for the collection, preservation and protection of artifacts and stories relating to Putnam County and its people. Public meetings were held in concert with Main Street Greencastle, the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and interested community members.
In 2002, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners helped secure a location. Volunteers formed a board of directors, elected officers, wrote policies, procedures, and by-laws. With the Putnam Community Foundation's grant of $20,000 and $10,000 in community contributions, the Museum hired its first director in January 2003.
First Home & Relocation (2003-06)
The Museum's first home was two rooms in the old Jones School, now the Putnam County Courthouse Annex.
In 2006 the Museum made a major move to its present location on North Jackson Street. Once again, the community stepped up with extraordinary support. It provided financial assistance as well as volunteer labor. In-kind donations provided much of the skilled labor and materials necessary to convert the large, empty space to an attractive and functional museum.
Bridging Generations (2006-present)
Over the last several years, the Museum has continued to expand its collection and provide diverse and quality exhibits. As an increasingly vital part of its community, the Museum also provides group meeting space and educational programs for adults and children. It strives to be a cultural hub dedicated to preserving and honoring the past while promoting activities that bridge generations to the present.
OUR HISTORY
