The Thorntown Heritage Museum (124 North Market Street-Thorntown, Indiana) is opening May 26 with big plans for the 2025 season. Traditionally, the museum is open on Memorial Day for free tours and refreshments following the Thorntown American Legion’s morning ceremonies. The museum will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day.
This year the open house also features the opening of our new Native American exhibit. The new collection is possible thanks to Butch Wamsley who has donated a number of beautiful Native American regalia and clothing, beautiful beaded pieces and sacred religious artifacts. This is a temporary exhibit and brings Native American history to life. The Sugar Creek Historical Society, formally Society for the Preservation of Our Indiana Heritage (1973-1999), is working with the community on future programs and exhibits to honor this important piece of our town’s history.
In addition to the Native American exhibits there are two additional seasonal exhibits to be on display featuring businesses on Historic Main street since 1830 as well as historic and current community organizations (e.g. Lions, I.O.O.F etc.). The displays will complement our panel discussion “Historic Thorntown: Businesses and organizations that shaped our community”. A small panel of longtime community residents will reminisce with the crowd on the changes on June 21 at 2 p.m. Seating will be limited and reservations can be made at a later date.
Looking forward, Thorntown Heritage Museum is planning a free Family Day on July 12, our annual Ice Cream Social fundraiser August 2 and a new Garden Tea Party event August 23. More information on these programs will be released at a later date. The museum will be open Saturdays 11am- 4pm until the last day of the Festival of the Turning Leaves.
To learn more about the Thorntown Heritage Museum or the Sugar Creek Historical Society’s mission please contact Kirsten Wamsley at 765-436-7348 ext. 202, kwamsley@thorntownpl.org or https://www.thorntownpl.org/about/heritagemuseum/.
