GET HANDS ON

Get hands-on experiences with programs and classes that introduce and share our history! (Let’s plan!)

bartholomew-co-historical-society-front-door

PLAN A VISIT

Visit us in downtown Columbus to view the exhibits, research your family history, or just ask questions! (Let’s discover!)

RENT THE FARM

Imagine, a barn and grounds you can rent for all types of occasions from casual corporate events to your special wedding day. (Let’s go!)

Loving History: The Inn at Irwin Gardens Celebrates Ten Years

Friday, February 14, 2020 5:00–8:00 pm

The Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 Fifth Street Columbus, IN.

Silent Art Auction featuring artwork by BCSC Students 5:00–7:00 pm.

Tickets available for purchase at the Bartholomew County Historical Society, the Columbus Area Visitors Center and Viewpoint Books.

Entry includes a glass of champagne and light bites, with a cash bar available. Attendees may explore The Inn with self-guided tours throughout the event.

$20 in advance | $30 at the door | Ages 21 and over

Proceeds raised will benefit five local art and cultural organizations and their youth programs: Bartholomew County Historical Society, Columbus Area Arts Council, Friends of Bartholomew County Public Library, Friends of Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives and Lincoln Central Family Neighborhood Center. For more information, visit www.irwingardens.com.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Historical Society museum includes both permanent and rotating exhibits throughout the year, so that residents and visitors of all ages are able to experience what life in Bartholomew County was like in our past and to connect these stories with our lives today. In addition, you can explore historical documents and do genealogical research.

See the 16 HP Reeves Steam Traction Engine in action!

WHY STUDY HISTORY? HERE’S WHY…

You are an ancestor: Listen inside and you’ll hear the voices both of your own ancestors and of the ones who will follow you; they’ll help you make good choices. – ERIC UTNE

The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours. – ALAN BENNETT

You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. – JAMES BALDWIN

FUN FOOTNOTES IN COUNTY HISTORY : PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU & ME

History is far more than numbers and facts. History is people, just like you and me – a wild menagerie of fascinating, amazing, inventive people – people finding their way, making do, and carving out their own personal history, sometimes in ways that impacts and improves their communities, and their world. You will do well to learn from them, admire them, appreciate them.

This Third Street scene was taken many years before the Commons was even a dream. These buildings were located between Washington and Jackson Streets. It is believed the man in the photo is Mr. Beatty.