Johnson County Museum of History facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Masonic Temple
|
|
Front of the building
|
|
 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 135 N. Main St., Franklin, Indiana |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architect | Shopbell & Co.; Bryant, Roy C. & Co. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001863 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1991 |
The Johnson County Museum of History is a cool place in Franklin, Indiana, where you can learn about the past! It's run by the Johnson County Historical Society. The museum first opened its doors in 1931. It was started by a local group called the Daughters of the American Revolution.
At first, the museum was in a small room at the county courthouse. As it grew, it needed more space. In 1963, it moved to the Suckow home. Then, in 1989, it moved again to its current building. This building used to be a Masonic Temple.
Contents
Discover the Museum's Story
The Johnson County Museum of History has been around since 1931. Before it had a building, historical items were sometimes shown in store windows in downtown Franklin. The local Daughters of the American Revolution group worked hard to create a real museum in 1931.
The very first museum was in a small room at the Johnson County Courthouse. Later, in 1963, the exhibits moved to the Suckow home in Franklin. In 1989, officials from Johnson County and the Johnson County Historical Society bought the old Masonic Temple building. This building is located at 135 Main Street. The museum officially moved into this new home in 1991. It's still there today!
The museum has lots to see and do. You can explore permanent and special exhibits. They also have different programs and events. There's a special library where you can research your family history. Don't forget to check out the gift shop. Plus, there's an old 1830s cabin right next to the museum!
Explore Permanent Exhibits
The museum has many interesting exhibits that are always on display. Each one tells a different part of history.
Early Inhabitants of Johnson County
This exhibit shows you about the first people who lived here. You can see Native American tools, weapons, and items from the fur trade. It helps you imagine life long ago.
Pioneer Settlers of Johnson County
Step back in time to when pioneers first arrived! This section has original items from early settlers. You can see a copy of a Conestoga wagon. There's even a replica fiddler with music you can play. You can also see copies of children's clothes from that time.
Victorian Life in Johnson County
Imagine living in the Victorian era! This exhibit shows a copy of a Victorian Parlor. It's complete with clothing, furniture, and accessories from that time. It's like stepping into a fancy old house.
Indiana Infantry in the Civil War
Learn about the American Civil War and Indiana's role. This exhibit has original photos and items from the war. You can see equipment and weapons used by soldiers. There's even a scene showing a mock army camp.
Serving Our County and Country
This exhibit honors those who served. It has items from the Spanish–American War all the way to today. You'll see old photos and real World War II clothing. There are also historical items from Camp Atterbury, a nearby military base.
The Fabulous 1950s
Take a trip to the 1950s! This fun exhibit has a copy of a diner scene. You can see a 1953 Chrysler Imperial car. There's also a drive-in movie sign and a real 1950s popcorn machine. This machine was actually used at the Artcraft Theatre!
Artwork from Local Artists
This section displays beautiful art. It features works from artists who lived in Johnson County. You can see art from both the past and the present.
Discover Your Family History at the Genealogy Library
The museum has a special library for finding out about your family's history. It has many records from Johnson County and nearby areas.
You can look through marriage records, tax records, and court documents. There are also military and veteran records. You might find old school yearbooks or town histories. They even have cemetery records and church records. You can also listen to oral histories, which are stories told by people from the past. The library also has records from many other counties and states.
The Museum's Historic Building
The building where the museum is now was built a long time ago. It was designed by an architecture company called Shopbell, Fowler, and Thole. It was built between 1922 and 1924.
This building was originally a Masonic Temple. It was used by Franklin Lodge No. 107, a group of Freemasons. They used it as their meeting place until 1987.
In 1991, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical places in the United States. Even though it was already a museum by then, it's listed under its original name, Masonic Temple.
See also
- List of Masonic buildings in Indiana
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Indiana
