
Putnam County Museum

We are closed on Labor Day! (Monday, September 7th)
Oral Histories
This oral history collection compiles interviews of Putnam County residents and non-residents centering their involvements and experiences in their respective communities. The interviews are available in audio files as well as full transcripts for your viewing. We would like to appreciate everyone who devoted their time and effort into this oral history collection, along with the South End Black History Museum for their involvement in preserving black history. Read more about the South End Black History Museum

Willis Bing Davis
Willis was born in Springbrook, South Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He speaks of his high school education in Greencastle and further education at DePauw University, highlighting his art education and sports involvement at DePauw. He also mentions his art teaching career. Interviewed by Mary Cho.

Reverend Mitchell Cheatham
Reverend Mitchell was born in Big Rock, Tennessee and moved to Indiana at one year old. He speaks of segregation in his schooling experiences and his affiliations with different organizations such as the NAACP and The Churches of Our Lord Jesus. Interviewed by Courtney Haig.

Dorothy Brown
Dorothy was born in Tennessee and moved to Greencastle with her family when she was in the fourth grade. In her interview, she speaks of the distinction in segregation between the Greencastle and Tennessee communities. She also covers her experience teaching at DePauw University. Interviewed by Lina Bowman.
Contact Us
Do you have stories you'd like to share with us? Contact us to contribute to this oral histories collection!









