ABOUT US
The Jackson County History Center was organized January 22, 1916. The society is housed in an old blacksmith shop in Brownstown, refurbished as the Ball Memorial Museum, and a second building constructed by the members themselves and funded through a gift from the Fred Keach Heller family. A third building, an old livery barn, serves as the auditorium for special programs and membership meetings. The society's collection of artifacts, diaries, court records and family histories are housed in all three of these buildings. The Col. John Ketchum Pioneer Village is being developed. Included are the 1827 Nenntrupp Trading Post, a meeting house, a model of a jail and the Revolutionary War Memorial. Inside the log school/church/meeting house is the Miss America Katie Stam display. The Jackson County Genealogical Society was founded in 1982 by people interested in preserving their heritage and family histories. Purpose of the society is to find, preserve, record and make available to the public any and all documents and records of genealogical value. Their goal is to aid researchers in the search for their ancestors, especially those with Jackson County connections. The Jackson County History Center and Jackson County Genealogical Society merged in 2009 to become the Jackson County History Center. Researchers are available to answer queries and assist with genealogy research. A large collection of research books and other publications such as "Composite History of Jackson County Vol. II", "Jackson County Churches", "Pioneer Homestead Settlers", and "Jackson County Atlas" are available for purchase. Because the Center is a private, non-profit organization, membership, voluntary support and help are critical to carrying out its mission of preserving the heritage of the county.
MEETINGS
Meetings are open to the public and are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Genealogy Library.
Museums Hours
Tuesday & Thursday
9-11 a.m.
Visitors can stop by for a tour during business hours or call to make an appointment for a group tour.
Genealogy Library
Monday, Tuesday, Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CALENDAR
MARCH - Start your research now for your Pioneer Society application.Call for an application 812-358-2118.Anyone that has family ties to Jackson County before 1910 is eligible to become a member of our Pioneer Society.
APRIL - JACKSON COUNTY HISTORY MONTH - County schools will be bringing their 4th grade students to tour our campus.They will have different activities,demonstrations, games and refreshments.Tours will be held on Tues April 10, 17, 24 and Thurs 12, 19, and 26th.County 4th grade teachers have been sent lettersinviting them to participate in these tours.
JUNE - Watch forthe Grand Opening of our new Genealogy Research Library whichwill bethe only library inthis areadedicated solely to genealogy research.Volunteersare always available to help you research your ancestors.
Village Daze- On June 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27thstudents in grades 1 - 5 are invited to come in from 9 am -11 am to participate in a variety of activities, including candle making,old timegames, carpentry or quilting and an old fashioned movie with pop corn.Space is limited to the first 30 students each week at a charge of $5 each.
JULY - Visit us in our building behind the Antique building at the Jackson County Fair. There will be a variety ofhistoric displays and various genealogy research aids available.
AUGUST - 24 from 6pm til midnight - FREE Genealogy Lock-in.There will be limited seating so call early to reserve your place.There will be researchers available to help you with your research orto helpcomplete the research for your Pioneer Society Application. Snacks will be provided.
SEPTEMBER - Visit us during the Melon Fest on the Square in Brownstown.
OCTOBER -October 1st deadline for submitting your Pioneer Society Application.
Stop by our booth at the Seymour Ocktoberfest.We will have all of our research materials available for sale.
NOVEMBER - Annual JCHC Dinner.Social hour, dinner, Pioneer Society Recognition and entertainment.Location, time and date to be announced in the local newspapers.
DECEMBER - December 11th - 6:00-7:30 Annual Old Fashioned "Christmas in the Villege"Open House, held in the School/meeting house on the museum campus.