To preserve, protect and promote the history of Switzerland County, Indiana."
The Switzerland County Historical Society, organized in 1925, is one of the oldest of Indiana’s county historical societies. The society has collected with a vision for the future by preserving a wide range of artifacts and documents that relay the county’s unique past. The historical society owns and operates two museums and the Thiebaud Farmstead, just west of town.
Within this site, you will find links to the County Historical Museum, including genealogy research information, the River History Museum, as well as the Thiebaud Farmstead. Information on upcoming events and programs, memberships, and projects are also included among the pages here.
Links to these pages can be found at the left of any page if on a computer, or the bars ≡ at the top of the page if on a mobile device.
The current Board of Directors consists of Brian Lucas, President; Susie Dean, Vice President; Anita Danner, Treasurer; and Barry Brown, Secretary. Trustees are Claudia Dawson, Sundra Whitham, and Steve Heitzman. Martha Bladen is the Executive Director.
The museums are open Monday through Saturday from noon until 4:00. We are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's day, and Easter. Special accommodations can possibly be made by contacting the museum.
EVENTS
Hay Days, A Country Christmas, Archaeology Day, All Hallows Eve, and Back to Basics Day Camp for kids are our ongoing events. In the past, we've held a Barn Dance, Big Doins' Chautauqua, Rural Heritage Tour - and hands on classes and workshops as some of the special events presented by the Switzerland County Historical Society.
Thiebaud Farmstead
The 1850s Greek Revival home of Justi and Mary Banta Thiebaud has been beautifully restored thanks to a capital campaign stimulated by a Jeffris Family Foundation challenge grant that was met by generous contributions from local foundations, organizations and individuals. The Mormon Haypress has also been restored and operates during the Rural Heritage Tour.
The Museums
The museums reveal many aspects of the county’s past, and can be found in both the River History Museum, and the County Historical Museum. Displays include Early Swiss Heritage, Veterans Remembered, Childhood Memories, Native Americans, Professions, and Domestic Arts. These displays are housed in an 1860 Greek Revival Presbyterian Church. We also hold many records that will help you in your genealogy searches.
