Porter County Museum facts for kids
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The Porter County Museum, also known as PoCo Muse, is a museum found at 20 Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana. It helps people learn about the history and culture of Porter County. The museum is the oldest place in the county dedicated to this purpose.
For many years, from 1975 to 2020, the museum was located in the old Porter County Jail and sheriffs residence. This historic building was at 153 Franklin Street, right across from the museum's current spot. The old jail building is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The PoCo Muse was started in 1916 by the Porter County Historical Society. This group is now called the PoCo Muse Foundation. Over the years, the museum's collection has moved to a few different places.
Contents
A Journey Through Time: Museum Locations
The Porter County Museum has had several homes since it began. Each location helped the museum grow and share its stories.
Early Beginnings (1916-1937)
When the museum first started in 1916, its artifacts were shown on the lower level of the Valparaiso Public Library. This was its first public display space.
A New Home in the Courthouse (1938-1973)
Later, from 1938 until 1973, the museum's exhibits moved to the top floor of the Porter County Courthouse. This grand building gave the museum more space to share the county's history.
The Historic Jail (1975-2020)
From 1975 to 2020, the museum was housed inside the 1871 Porter County Jail and Sheriff's Residence. This building itself was a piece of history, allowing visitors to explore exhibits within a unique setting.
Today's Location (2020-Present)
Today, the PoCo Muse is located at 20 Indiana Avenue. This spot is special because it's right across the street from two of its previous homes: the old jail and the courthouse.
Images for kids
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Cornerstone
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Front door to Sheriff's House
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Window Styling
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Main stairway
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Rosette of front entrance
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Jail with square & round towers
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Prisoner cell
