Lawrence County Museum of History and Edward L. Hutton Research Library

08/30/2026

William Preston, African-American pioneer and War of 1812 veteran, brought this kettle from Kentucky to Lawrence County on horseback when he and his family settled on land near Springville in 1824. Hear the stories of other local pioneers today at “Voices of our Past,” a dramatic presentation celebrating the early history of settlement in our area. The presentation begins at 2 p.m. at the StoneGate Arts and Education Center, 931 15th Street in Bedford. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door.

08/28/2026

You are invited to attend "From Bedford to the World: The Art of Julia Zollman Wickes" on Saturday, August 29, from 4-7 p.m. at the Lawrence County Museum, 929 15th Street, Bedford. We will be celebrating the life of Julia Zollman Wickes through her sketchbooks and artwork.

08/26/2026

If you’re planning to come to “Voices of our Past” on Sunday, and you haven’t purchased tickets yet, please either buy tickets at the museum or call the museum at (812) 278-8575 and ask for tickets to be held for you. Space is limited at the venue, and we want to make sure everyone who comes to see the performance has a seat. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

The Lawrence County Museum of History presents "Voices of our Past", an America 250 Theatrical Presentation exploring life on the Indiana frontier through the experiences of local characters like John Guthrie, Ezekiel Short, Granny White, and more.

“Voices of our Past” will be Sunday, August 30, at 2 p.m. at the StoneGate Arts & Education Center, 931 15th Street, in Bedford.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Lawrence County Museum. Children under 12 will be admitted free, but please note that some aspects of frontier life might be upsetting for young children to hear about.

In the photo: Granny White House, Pioneer Village, Spring Mill State Park.

08/26/2026

Randy Greene and Tom Kirkman join host Norm Taylor in discovering the history of Reed Station in Lawrence County, Indiana in this Indiana History Project episode from the museum archives. This program was originally recorded at Star Station Studios at BNL High School.

From the archives.Randy Greene and Tom Kirkman join host Norm Tay...

08/19/2026

If you missed Karen Schwartz's August 10 presentation, "The Children of William Henry Harrison," you can watch it here. Ms. Schwartz is the President of the Historical Society of Harrison County.

Guest speaker Karen Schwartz from the Harrison County Historical So...

08/12/2026

The Lawrence County Museum of History presents "Voices of our Past", an America 250 Theatrical Presentation exploring life on the Indiana frontier through the experiences of local characters like John Guthrie, Ezekiel Short, Granny White, and more.

“Voices of our Past” will be Sunday, August 30, at 2 p.m. at the StoneGate Arts & Education Center, 931 15th Street, in Bedford.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Lawrence County Museum. Children under 12 will be admitted free, but please note that some aspects of frontier life might be upsetting for young children to hear about.

In the photo: Granny White House, Pioneer Village, Spring Mill State Park.

08/12/2026

"From Bedford to the World" is an exhibition of art by Julia Zollman Wickes (1948-2024), who grew up in Bedford, Indiana (Lawrence County). Opening reception is from 4-7 on August 29th, 2026 at the Lawrence County Museum of History, 929 15th Street, in Bedford Indiana.

Julia's art will be on display at the Lawrence County Museum until October 31, 2026. Admission is free and all are welcome.

08/12/2026

Co-hosts Norm Taylor and Lee Hutchinson interview Frank and Shirley Owen about their experiences in 66 years of marriage in this “Indiana History Project” episode from 2008. Recorded at the BNL High School Star Station studio.

From 2008.Norm Taylor interviews Frank and Shirley Owen.Recorde...

08/11/2026

How do YOU measure up to Wash Hatfield?

Come see the extraordinary 1800s flintlock long rifle of legendary Southern Indiana pioneer gunsmith George Washington “Wash” Hatfield at the Lawrence County Museum of History.

At nearly 5 feet 2 inches long, the rifle is an impressive piece of craftsmanship—but it’s only part of the story.

The exhibit also features a knife bearing Wash Hatfield’s “WH” signature, a wooden ring he made, historic photographs, and other artifacts that help tell the story of this remarkable Hoosier craftsman.

And yes…we created a way for you to measure yourself against his famous long rifle! 📏 How do you measure up?

Come to the museum, stand beside the rifle, and discover the story of the man behind it.

History is better when you can see it, stand beside it, and get close enough to appreciate the craftsmanship.

📍 Lawrence County Museum of History
Bedford, Indiana

Come see Wash Hatfield’s rifle—and the remarkable story behind it.

08/08/2026

Guest host Rowena Cross-Najafi interviews former residents of Elkinsville, Indiana, "The Town That Was,” in this Indiana History Project episode from the museum archives. Interviewees include B.J. Blankenfeld, Nancy Deckard, Bill Miller and Wayne Followell.

From the archives.Host Rowena Cross-Najafi interviews former resi...