Montpelier Historical Society - Montpelier, Indiana

08/28/2026

Jamboree Weekend is nearly upon us!
Here is a reminder to join us on Sunday at noon during Montpelier's 80th Jamboree Weekend as we explore Montpelier's earliest thoroughfare, High Street. This was the city's busiest stretch of commerce, traffic, and notoriety long before the construction of State Road 18 forever changed our town's landscape.
It will be entertaining. It will be educational. And it will be your first chance to reserve a copy of the NEW Montpelier History book!

08/21/2026

REMINDER ABOUT JAMBOREE SUNDAY:
Make plans now to attend. Early feedback suggests we will have a good crowd on hand.

This tour is golf cart friendly- don’t let your mobility issues stop you from enjoying this guided tour.

Bryon Maddox here! As a Montpelier Historical Society board member, former president, and Editor in Chief of the upcoming Montpelier history book, I invite you to join us during Montpelier's 80th Jamboree Weekend as we explore Montpelier's earliest thoroughfare, High Street. This was the city's busiest stretch of commerce, traffic, and notoriety long before the construction of State Road 18 forever changed our town's landscape.
It will be entertaining. It will be educational. And it will be your first chance to reserve a copy of the NEW Montpelier History book!
I hope to see you there!

08/20/2026

Montpelier Historical Society Announces Rendezvous on the Reserve ’26
Three-day living history encampment returns September 18–20, 2026, celebrating ten years on the historic Godfroy Reservation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTPELIER, Ind. — The Montpelier Historical Society, with support from the Blackford County Community Foundation, will present Rendezvous on the Reserve ’26, a living history encampment held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 18–20, 2026, on the former reservation of Myaamia (Miami) Chief Francois Godfroy.
The event invites visitors to experience life as it was more than 200 years ago on La Petite Prairie, where interpreters, re-enactors, musicians and storytellers bring the fur trade era and early Indiana frontier to life.
Guests can explore the Mississinewa Confederation Native Village, the camps of longhunters, voyagers, and trappers. The event also features the Pinchon Family Homestead, depicting one family’s effort to begin a new life in the Northwest Territory.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will encounter intriguing storytellers, live 18th-century music from Fiddlesix, native flute artist and educator Larry Gindhart, and visits with Johnny Appleseed. The 2026 event also marks the tenth anniversary of Rendezvous on the Reserve, celebrated from 2016 to 2026.
Weekend Highlights
• Friday, September 18: Student Education Day offers an educational and exciting day trip for public, private and homeschool students.
• Saturday, September 19: Campers will compete in archery, hawk and knife throwing, and muzzleloader contests.
• Sunday, September 20: Golf cart shuttles will be available for visitors with mobility issues.
Public, private and homeschool groups are encouraged to attend Friday’s Student Education Day for an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Re-enactors and student group organizers may contact Bryon Maddox, booshway and event organizer, at [email protected].
For updates and additional information, visit Rendezvous on the Reserve on Facebook or online at www.rendezvousonthereserve.weebly.com.
About Rendezvous on the Reserve
Rendezvous on the Reserve is a living history encampment presented by the Montpelier Historical Society on the historic Godfroy Reservation in Blackford County, Indiana. The event helps preserve and share local history while offering visitors an immersive look at the people, skills and stories of the early Northwest Territory.
Media Contact
Bryon Maddox
Booshway and Event Organizer
Email: [email protected]

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

While Montpelier and Blackford County have been spared from torrential rains and major flooding like the counties to our west and south, we are reminded that catastrophic flooding DOES occur here.
At least it DID happen on March 23rd-27th of 1913 after massive storms and record-breaking rainfall plunged much of our city into chaos.

08/11/2026

Bryon Maddox here! As a Montpelier Historical Society board member, former president, and Editor in Chief of the upcoming Montpelier history book, I invite you to join us during Montpelier's 80th Jamboree Weekend as we explore Montpelier's earliest thoroughfare, High Street. This was the city's busiest stretch of commerce, traffic, and notoriety long before the construction of State Road 18 forever changed our town's landscape.
It will be entertaining. It will be educational. And it will be your first chance to reserve a copy of the NEW Montpelier History book!
I hope to see you there!

08/04/2026

What secrets were unearthed during the Montpelier Bicentennial time capsule excavation?!

07/24/2026

The July meeting of the Montpelier Historical Society will take place this coming Tuesday, July 28th at 6:30pm in the newly lighted and air-cooled comfort of the Old Church Museum on South Main Street next to the library and civic center.

The agenda includes the Semiquincentennial recap, recent OCM work recap, last call for ads and memorials for the history book (printing next month!), Rendezvous (less than two months away!), and Balbec Day (next month!)

This meeting is open to the public and new members are being sought as we have big plans for 2027!!!

07/24/2026

Drop us a FB message if you wish for your loved ones to be included. But hurry, time is running out!

07/22/2026

Our Old Church Museum had never had lights or the whole electrical system installed. Thanks to a grant from The Indiana Historical Society made possible by The Lilly Foundation we were able to have lights, fans and exit lights installed and all of the plugins hooked up. Those fans move a lot of air and will help keep the museum cool in the summer.