The Lawrence County Museum of History, Edward L. Hutton Research Library, exhibits and collections are dedicated to engage, inspire, educate, entertain and preserve objects of lasting interest for current and future generations to enjoy.

What's Happening  

Check out the museum’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecountymuseumofhist8440/featured
New items posted every Tuesday.

Indiana Memory Digital Collection: Thanks to a grant from the Indiana Historical Society, the James Guthrie photo slide collection is now available online. The complete Guthrie collection can be seen at this site. Click to see the Guthrie collection as well as local African-American history.

Take a virtual tour:
Tour inside the Lawrence County Museum on Google maps.

Click to view videos of the museum and other interesting Lawrence County sites.

Check out the Gift Shop for lots of interesting and unique items—historic photo coasters/tiles, framed reproductions of vintage photos, notecards, books by local authors, limestone souvenirs, Envision handbags, mugs, and lots more.  Prices are reasonable and 100% of the profits go to the museum.

Book Lovers: “Who Murdered Sarah Schafer” includes 1904 pictures and records that had never before been made public. You can find a variety of books by local authors in the museum gift shop such as: “The Big white House on the Corner” by Ann Armstrong, “Garvey Lane, Bedford, Indiana: An Unofficial History,” by Danny G. Taylor, includes both researched history and first-person accounts of life on the small road that became John Williams Boulevard. Ron Bell's book "Our Hoosier Heritage and Its Foundation, 1680-1820, "The Cave's Path," a book by Shirley Williams and set in Lawrence County, "Letters Home"—Civil War letters written by Silas Mathes to his girlfriend in Bedford includes local and military pictures.  Available at the museum and online. Click to see books for sale online.

Looking for bargain books? Used books of all kinds are for sale in the museum meeting room. Paperbacks $1, and hardbound $2 each.

Lawrence County Historical Location Records Archive: Personal memories can be forgotten, and places of historic value can be lost. An online archive is being created to identify as many historic locations as possible. Click to see details.

Museum volunteers are always needed—Whatever your age, background, or ability, there's a way for you to volunteer and help your museum. Volunteer as much as you want—just a few hours or as many as you want. Contact the museum for information on how you can help.

EDWARD L. HUTTON LIBRARY

Research Family History: The research library on the second floor has a plethora of family history information. Joyce Shepherd is the librarian, and she will be glad to assist researchers in their quests.

Historic news: The easy to use work station in the library is a treasure trove of information — 390 local newspaper microfilm reels have been converted into a digital indexed database searchable by name, date or keyword. If you choose to print the results of your research, print cost is 20 cents a copy

Current and Upcoming Events

October mystery walk—A fun museum fundraising event held annually the week before Halloween:
This year’s mystery walk will be held Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. Murder on the Monon will take place in Mitchell this year. Tickets and details are available at the museum. (812) 278-8575

Scare on the Square
The museum will be participating in Scare on the Square again this year on Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Anyone dressed as an historical figure will get a special treat.

Monthly Speaker ProgramS

Lawrence County Historical and Genealogical Society on the second Mondays of the month—The meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by our speakers program at 7. 
Nov. 11, 2024— Lori Roberts presents: “Nancy Ward, Beloved Woman of the Cherokee,” exploring an extraordinary woman and her unique role in history.

For past speakers, go to the Events page.

Many of the earlier programs have been recorded and can be seen on the museum’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecountymuseumofhist8440/featured
On the museum’s youtube home page, there are more videos on the site than first meet your eyes. Be sure to click on videos to see the complete list.

In the Galleries

1974—Fifty years ago seven high schools came together to create Bedford North Lawrence High School. Memorabilia from the 1974 high school classes are on display. You will enjoy reminiscing about the last graduating classes of Bedford, Fayetville, Heltonville, Oolitic, Needmore, Shawswick, and Tunnelton HIgh Schools.

100 years of the Lawrence County Historical Society—An extensive timeline of the history of Lawrence County since the conception of the Historical society in 1924 is featured above a case displaying artifacts which depict the activities of the Society. Books that members of the Lawrence County Historical Society participated in writing as well as photographs of various activities in which members have been involved are seen within the glass case. A famous picture of Zora I Askew begins the journey in remembering the Lawrence County Historical Society’s journey.

Olympics—UAW-GM Kenny Dalton was a torch bearer during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Look for his artifacts in the gallery.

Star Spangled Exhibit—The exhibit celebrates flags of America and honors the upcoming patriotic holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. Featured flags and these patriotic holidays serve as reminders of our history, our shared values, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Join us in honoring their legacy and celebrating the spirit of America!

History of the Miss Indiana Statue— See the history of this 100 year old statue that stands atop the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers monument on the west side of the Lawrence County Courthouse square.

American Red Cross Driving Tour Site—Lawrence County’s unique role with American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton came through her friendship with Dr. Joseph and Enola Lee Gardner. In 1893, The Gardner’s donated their 782-acre farm to the Red Cross to stage emergency supplies and to create a training school. A Christmas gift from Barton is one of the items as well as unique quilt created in 1917 to support the men involved in World War I. 

Lawrence County Historic Timeline is available at the north end of the gallery.

Spring Mill: The large 1934 replica of the gristmill and a some of the village houses are on display.

Bud Isaacs—Country music fans will enjoy a sample of his music. The exhibit honors  Bedford native, Forrest "Bud" Isaacs. Isaacs revolutionized the steel guitar.  Click to see more.

Who are Lawrence County's Astronauts? The permanent exhibit is in the north end of the gallery.  

McReynolds
Community Gallery

A “Family Bible” exhibit. The earliest Bible on display was printed in the 1700s.

At Your Service