The Sugar Creek Historical Society is inviting families to enjoy a day of fun at the Thorntown Heritage Museum on July 12, 2025. This is a free event that aims to bring families together and educate the community about Thorntown and Indiana history. The highlights of this exciting day include: touch-a-tractor, old fashioned games on the lawn, history-inspired crafts- hand dipped candles (while supplies last), a visit from James Whitcomb Riley, and a food truck. Papaw’s Kitchen is generously offering to donate their tips from this event to help support the museum. Papaw’s has served Boone County and surrounding communities for nearly 10 years. Feature items included: burgers, tenderloins, hot dogs, fries and nachos.
James Whitcomb Riley will bring the energy with his exciting dances, classic poems like The Raggedy Man, The Old Swimmin’ Hole, When the Frost is on the Punkin and Little Orphant Annie. We will also learn about his role in the creation of Raggedy Ann as well as the founding of Riley Hospital. His performance begins at 1 p.m.
Family Day will be hosted at the Thorntown Heritage Museum on the back lawn from 11am – 4 pm. The museum will be open for free tours during the event. In May, the museum opened a new Native American history exhibit and Historic Thorntown exhibit featuring businesses and organizations since 1830. Anyone interested in a tour can contact Thorntown Public Library, or stop in during open hours Saturdays 11am – 4pm from Memorial Day through 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/.
