Johnson County Museum of History facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple
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Front of the building
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 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 135 N. Main St., Franklin, Indiana |
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| 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 managed by the Johnson County Historical Society, a group dedicated to preserving history. The museum first opened its doors in 1931. It was started by a local group called the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The museum began in a small room at the county courthouse. As it grew, it needed more space. In 1962, it moved to the Suckow home. Then, in 1989, it moved again to its current building.
Contents
Discover the Museum's History
The Johnson County Museum of History has been around since 1931. At first, historical items were shown in store windows in downtown Franklin. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution helped organize the museum in 1931.
The first museum was in a small room at the Johnson County Courthouse. Later, the collection moved to the Suckow home in Franklin in 1963. 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 in Franklin. The museum moved into this new space in 1991. It is still operating at the same address today.
The museum offers many things to see and do. It has exhibits that are always there and some that change with the seasons. There are also different programs and events. You can visit a special library for family history research. There's also a gift shop and an old 1830s cabin right next to the museum.
Explore Permanent Exhibits
The museum has several exciting exhibits that are always on display. They help you travel back in time to different periods.
Early Inhabitants
This section shows you what life was like for the first people in the area. You can see Native American tools, weapons, and items from the fur trade.
Pioneer Settlers of Johnson County
Learn about the brave pioneers who settled Johnson County. This exhibit has original items, a copy of a Conestoga wagon, and even a replica fiddler that plays music! You can also see copies of children's clothing from that time.
Victorian Life
Step into a beautiful Victorian Parlor. This exhibit shows how people lived in the Victorian era. It includes clothing, furniture, and accessories from that time.
Indiana Infantry in the Civil War
Discover the role of Indiana soldiers in the American Civil War. This exhibit features original photographs, military gear, and weapons used during the war. There's even a scene showing a soldier's camp.
Serving County and Country
This exhibit honors those who served. It has items and photos from the Spanish–American War up to today. You can see real World War II uniforms and historical items from Camp Atterbury nearby.
The Fabulous '50s
Take a trip back to the 1950s! This fun exhibit has a copy of a diner scene. It also features a 1953 Chrysler Imperial car and a drive-in movie sign. You can even see an authentic 1950s popcorn machine from the Artcraft Theatre.
Artwork
Enjoy art from talented local artists. This section displays works by Johnson County artists from the past and present.
Genealogy Library Resources
The museum has a special library where you can research your family history. It has many records from Johnson County and nearby areas. These records include:
- Marriage record books
- Guardianship records
- Tax records
- Court records
- Military and veteran records
- School yearbooks and records
- Local township records
- Written town histories
- Cemetery records
- Church records
- Oral histories
- Records from many surrounding counties and states
The Museum Building
The building where the museum is now was designed by the architecture firm Shopbell, Fowler, and Thole. It was built between 1922 and 1924. It was originally a Masonic Temple for Franklin Lodge No. 107, a group of Freemasons. They used it as their meeting place until 1987.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Even though it was already a museum by then, it is listed on the register under its original name, Masonic Temple.
See also
