Welcome to the Thorntown Heritage Museum, a place where the rich tapestry of local history is carefully preserved for future generations. Nestled in the historic home built between 1863 and 1867 by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shipp, this museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s a window into the past of Thorntown, Indiana.
The story of this house begins on a lot that was part of the original plat of Thorntown, laid out in 1829-30. Cornelius Westfall, the town’s founder, originally acquired the land from the United States of America. Fast forward to 1946, Mr. & Mrs. E.J. Barker purchased the Shipp house, maintaining it until their daughter, Mildred Spencer, donated it in 1977 to the Society for the Preservation of Our Indian Heritage. This generous act was in memory of her husband and parents, and it was the seed that grew into the museum we know today.
The museum officially opened its doors on September 24-25, 1977, coinciding with the fifth annual Festival of the Turning Leaves. This festival, originally started in 1973, celebrates the town’s Native American roots, particularly honoring the Eel River Miami Tribe who once called this area home. Over the years, the festival’s focus shifted but thanks to recent efforts, it’s being revitalized to honor its original intention.
Inside the museum, you’ll find a diverse collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs representing the lives of Thorntown’s past inhabitants – from Native Americans and pioneers to soldiers and inventors. These items tell the stories of the people who shaped this part of Indiana, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.
The museum is not just about the indoor exhibits. The surrounding garden is a historical treasure in its own right, featuring a 1909 fountain, the town’s 1898 curfew bell, and an original iron fence from the 1863 home. Visitors can also see a 1914 gas lamp, now electrified, which has been a part of the town’s history for over a century.
Through the combined efforts of the Thorntown Public Library and the Sugar Creek Historical Society, the museum continues to thrive as a community hub for historical education and preservation. The Library funds its operations while the Society focuses on programming and acquisition of new artifacts.
The Thorntown Heritage Museum is not just a collection of objects from the past, but a living narrative of the community’s journey through time, providing insights into the everyday lives of those who once walked these streets.
