White County Indiana Historical Society

White County Indiana Historical Society 101 South Bluff Street Monticello, Indiana, 47960; (574)-583-3998; Open Wed. through Friday. 10 AM to 4 PM. Email: [email protected] Come in and visit.

Founded in 1911 the White County Historical Society is a not-for-profit Society established to bring together those who share a common interest in White County Indiana's history. The Society has a Museum that has many displays recently reworked for public viewing and a variety of programs for our community. Our new remodel building interior provides the public an opportunity to research and to sha

re their research with others. The current WC Genealogy Society is housed on the main floor. Between the two societies there are many historical files available for your research needs. We also have research services available.

Thank you to one of our favorite volunteers, PAIGE GUTWEIN who designed our "Wedding Gowns through the Ages" display.
06/12/2026

Thank you to one of our favorite volunteers, PAIGE GUTWEIN who designed our "Wedding Gowns through the Ages" display.

THE PALESTINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, the first Christian Church in White County was originally organized in 1849 by Rev. R. C...
06/11/2026

THE PALESTINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, the first Christian Church in White County was originally organized in 1849 by Rev. R. C. Johnson and shortly after a building was erected at a cost of $600. In 1892, due to a fire, a new building was built at a cost of $1,200 on land donated by John Dobbins and Isaac Kendall. The average attendance in 1912 was 34 people and the entire collection for the year was $17.32 with $18.00 in expenses. The church was closed from 1946 to September 1948.
In the 1980's the Christian Church moved to the adjoining building formerly used by the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. It has been remolded and added onto several times throughout the years.
According to the 1896 Plat Book, School #3 was situated nearby at the southwest corner of County Roads 600 West and 400 North.
Follows is a partial list of Elders and Deacons who served at the church through the years: Joseph Clary, Taylor Johnson, D. O. Rader (civil war veteran), John Stroup, Thomas Lear, Paul Dawson, Stant Spencer, etc.
Below is a picture of the 1892 church building, a picture from 1999 and one from 2026.

THE WALL THAT HEALS
06/10/2026

THE WALL THAT HEALS

THE WALL THAT HEALS: JUNE 4, 2026
06/05/2026

THE WALL THAT HEALS: JUNE 4, 2026

THE WALL THAT HEALS: The Washington Street Bridge/Chief Master Sargeant Dean A. DuVall Bridge a few hours before the ca...
06/03/2026

THE WALL THAT HEALS: The Washington Street Bridge/Chief Master Sargeant Dean A. DuVall Bridge a few hours before the caravan arrived. The sound of the flags in the breeze is amazing.

THE WALL THAT HEALS: White County residents will have a unique opportunity to honor America's Vietnam veterans at The W...
06/03/2026

THE WALL THAT HEALS: White County residents will have a unique opportunity to honor America's Vietnam veterans at The Wall That Heals in Reynolds, Indiana from June 3rd to June 7th at the White County Fairgrounds. The traveling exhibit is the official three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., recognized by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
The memorial stretches 375 feet in length and bears the names of the 58,281 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. In addition to the replica wall, the exhibit includes a mobile Education Center featuring historical displays, photographs, and artifacts that help tell the story of the war and those who served.
The exhibit will be open 24 hour a day, allowing visitors to experience the memorial at any time.
The Wall That Heals provides a place for remembrance, reflection, and healing while bringing the experience of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to communities across America.
Watching the caravan was a humbling experience. The display of patriotism was amazing. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Community Foundation of White County
Enjoy a few photos from the day.

BADGER GROVE CHURCH was organized in 1870 as the Free Will Baptist Church with 13 charter members. The new church met at...
05/28/2026

BADGER GROVE CHURCH was organized in 1870 as the Free Will Baptist Church with 13 charter members. The new church met at the home of the William & Elizabeth Cooley. Badger Grove was "located at the intersection of muddy lanes close to a grove of trees. That grove was home to a large number of furry little animals called badgers."
At this time the land was swampy, there were numerous cases of typhoid and cholera in the area, and corn was selling for 36 3/4 cents per bushel.
In 1891 a one-room church with a cupola was built on land sold to the church for $1.00 by Mr. & Mrs. James Chilton. Oil lamps were used for lighting. Baptisms were held in a nearby creek or the Tippecanoe River.
In 1918 the church was expanded to include classrooms, a basement with kitchen and dining area, and a coal furnace.
In 1952 a parsonage was built across the road from the church.
Below is a picture from 1976 and two pictures from 2026.

Thank you to DEBRA LUCAS HERGET for your generous donation to the White County Historical museum collections. Debra's gi...
05/27/2026

Thank you to DEBRA LUCAS HERGET for your generous donation to the White County Historical museum collections. Debra's gift includes an oil lamp from about 1871 and a handwritten note regarding the lamp from her grandmother Linnie (Malinda Abagail) Mahin Lucas! Linnie was the wife of Tillman Lucas, and mother of Manden C. Lucas of Chalmers.

Thank you to THE MONTICELLO GARDEN CLUB for holding your monthly meeting at the White County Historical Society last nig...
05/22/2026

Thank you to THE MONTICELLO GARDEN CLUB for holding your monthly meeting at the White County Historical Society last night!

What a great opportunity to discuss the plants and trees of 1830 White County.
The county was heavily timbered, especially east of the Tippecanoe River, with dense undergrowth, hazel, sassafras, soft maple, pawpaw, white hickory, poplar, and several varieties of oak.
The west side of the river had groves of oak, hickory, walnut, ash, sugar maple and sycamore.
West of the Tippecanoe grew prairie grasses, the most notable being the blue-joint grass, attaining a height of 6' or more. The prairie grasses died each fall and provided fuel for the prairie fires that swept through the county almost yearly resulting in very little undergrowth.
Red cedar, black locust, and willows grew along the riverbanks. The cedar and black locust was used to produce fence posts, and the willow used to make baskets.

Books! Books! Books! Stop in the museum, take a look at our retail center, and buy a book!
05/20/2026

Books! Books! Books!
Stop in the museum, take a look at our retail center, and buy a book!

Address

Monticello, IN

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15745833998

Website

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