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FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Preserving the Stories
That Shaped Franklin County

We preserve and share the people, places, and stories that have shaped Franklin County, Indiana: connecting our community with the history that surrounds us.
Explore Our History
Visit Our Locations
INTRODUCTION

History Lives Here

Based in Brookville, the Franklin County Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the cultural and natural history of Franklin County. Through exhibits, programs, historic properties, and the Franklin County History Museum, the Society connects the community with the stories and heritage that shaped the region.
Whether you are tracing local roots, discovering an early Indiana landmark, or simply curious about the people who came before us, there is always more to uncover.
Learn About the Society

Collect

Gathering and caring for records, photographs, objects, and local stories.

Preserve

Protecting historic places and material history for future generations.

Share

Bringing Franklin County history to life through exhibits, programs, and education.

Connect

Bringing residents, visitors, researchers, and supporters together through history.
FEATURED LOCATIONS

Explore Our Historic Places

Franklin County History Museum

Explore the former Franklin County Seminary and discover stories of education, community life, and nineteenth-century Franklin County.

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Old Brick Church

Discover one of Brookville’s earliest permanent places of worship and the historic Town Cemetery that surrounds it.

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Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Step into an early nineteenth-century church preserving original hand-hewn timbers and other features of pioneer-era worship.
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Local Stories

People, Places, and Stories Worth Remembering

Franklin County history reaches far beyond the walls of any single building. Brookville was the birthplace of Lew Wallace, who became a Civil War major general, Governor of New Mexico Territory, U.S. Minister to Turkey, lecturer, and the author of the celebrated novel Ben-Hur. His story is one of many that connect Franklin County to the wider history of Indiana and the nation.
By preserving local records, buildings, objects, and stories, the Society helps make these connections visible for future generations.
Discover More Local History
THROUGH THE YEARS

A History Worth Preserving

A few moments from the histories preserved in the Society’s buildings and collections.
1812

Little Cedar Grove

The historic brick church is built, preserving a direct link to Franklin County’s pioneer era.
1828–30

Franklin County Seminary

Construction of the county seminary creates the building that later becomes the History Museum.
1968

Preservation in Action

The Historical Society purchases the former Seminary and begins restoring it for museum use.
Today

History Continues

Historic places, programs, meetings, and community support keep Franklin County’s stories accessible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Planning a Visit?

A few quick answers before you explore Franklin County history.
1. Where is the Franklin County History Museum?

The Franklin County History Museum is located at 402 E. 5th Street in Brookville, Indiana.

2. When is the museum open?

The supplied visitor information lists museum hours as Sundays from 1:00–4:00 p.m. during May through August, or by appointment. Contact the Society before a special trip for current access details.

3. What historic places can I visit?

The Society’s materials highlight the Franklin County History Museum, Old Brick Church, and Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Visit the Locations page for details about each property.

4. How can I contact the Society?

Email [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 342, Brookville, IN 47012.

THE STORY IS STILL HERE

Experience Franklin County History

Discover the buildings, stories, and people that helped shape Franklin County. Plan a visit, learn more about the Society, or get involved in preserving local history.
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About
Our Mission
A History of Preservation
Stories
Community
Explore
Franklin County History Museum
Old Brick Church
Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church
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Contact Us
Mailing Address
  • P.O. Box 342, Brookville, IN 47012