Upcoming Events at the John Hay Center
Journey Along the Blue River
President of the Historical Society of Harrison County, Karen Schwartz spent years studying the history of Blueriver, which has culminated in her book Journey Along Blurrier. Join us at The Depot to hear all about her travels and the way Blueriver has been an integral part of life in Southern Indiana.
Admission:
$10 WCHS Members
$12 non-members
Genealogy Nights
Looking to do some research on your Washington County, Indiana ancestors but are unsure of where to start, or need a little help with a pesky line? Come to Genealogy Night at The John Hay Center! Our experienced staff will be present to give special hands-on assistance in starting your genealogy journey.
Admission:
1-Night - $15
All 4-Nights - $32 WCHS Members; $40 non-members
2nd Annual Afternoon Tea with Guest Speaker Megan Smith
Join us for our second annual Afternoon Tea! This year we will have a stunning display of antique quilts and coverlets, and we will be joined by Megan Smith from the Indiana State Museum who will give a fascinating talk on historical textiles.
Be sure to book your spot ahead of time!
$15 WCHS Members
$18 non-members
The True Story of the Underground Railroad
Historian Stephen Brown was tasked to do some special research on the Underground Railroad by the National Parks Service, what he found was a trove of surprising information that ultimately inspired his book A Promise Moon. Visit the Depot on Friday, March 7th to hear all about his findings and his book!
Admission:
$10 WCHS Members
$12 non-members
$2 for students
Genealogy Nights
Looking to do some research on your Washington County, Indiana ancestors but are unsure of where to start, or need a little help with a pesky line? Come to Genealogy Night at The John Hay Center! Our experienced staff will be present to give special hands-on assistance in starting your genealogy journey.
Admission:
1-Night - $15
All 4-Nights - $32 WCHS Members; $40 non-members
Genealogy Nights
Looking to do some research on your Washington County, Indiana ancestors but are unsure of where to start, or need a little help with a pesky line? Come to Genealogy Night at The John Hay Center! Our experienced staff will be present to give special hands-on assistance in starting your genealogy journey.
Admission:
1-Night - $15
All 4-Nights - $32 WCHS Members; $40 non-members
Lunch’n’Learn - Community and Change with Mark Olesh
Local teacher Mark Olesh is joining us yet again to share his exciting research. This time Mark has delved into the history of schools and school consolidation in Washington County! Ever wondered what happened to all our small rural schools? When did our three county schools open? This is the presentation that will explain it all!
Admission:
$10 WCHS Members
$12 non-members
Genealogy Nights
Looking to do some research on your Washington County, Indiana ancestors but are unsure of where to start, or need a little help with a pesky line? Come to Genealogy Night at The John Hay Center! Our experienced staff will be present to give special hands-on assistance in starting your genealogy journey.
Admission:
1-Night - $15
All 4-Nights - $32 WCHS Members; $40 non-members
Armed Forces Day & Special Military Exhibit
Opening of temporary special military exhibit. Free museum admission for veterans and opportunity to share oral histories on our country’s conflicts.
Death Traditions & Spiritualism with Guest Speaker Rhiannon Cizon
Help us welcome guest speaker Rhiannon Cizon who will be visiting us to give a special presentation on our traditions surrounding death and burial in the 1800s.
From mourning clothing to hair art, learn how we grew to handle death and grief.
Admission:
$15 WCHS Members
$18 non-members
Symbolism in Stones: A Walking Tour of Crown Hill Cemetery with Rhiannon Cizon
A continuation of Rhiannon Cizon’s presentation, join her for a specialized walking tour of our local and historic Crown Hill Cemetery. She will guide us in exploring the different variety of old headstones, their unique markings, and what they mean.
Admission:
$15 WCHS Members
$18 non-members
First Day of the Indiana Historical Society Exhibit - Auto Indiana
A special temporary exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society that will explore the history of automobiles in the Hoosier State.
First Day of the Indiana Historical Society Exhibit - Faces of the Civil War
A special temporary exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society that will feature the history and effects of the Civil War in Indiana.
Old Settlers Days
Old Settlers Days
Boo Bash at the John Hay Center
The Boo Bash will be held on October 25th from 5-6:30PM. Come in costume and treat or treat through the John Hay Center! An event put on by WSLM, come by the John Hay Center in costume and treat or treating! Stick around to see the variety of carved pumpkins lined along the pathways of the Pioneer Village!
WCHS Annual Meeting of the Membership
Our annual meeting for our membership to join us in celebrating the year past and to elect new board members.
The Depot Open House and Jim Smoak Concert
Join us for the Annual Jim Smoak concert at the Depot beginning at 12:00pm (Music begins at 1:00pm) and ending at 4:00pm. This event is open to the public, and admission is just a donation. This also serves as a Christmas Open House at The Depot Railroad Museum.
The Polar Express at the Depot
Join us for the annual showing of The Polar Express at The Depot. This event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. The movie starts at 7PM. Christmas pajamas are welcome!
