Collections
Our collections are as special and surprising as most everything else in Brown County.
Preserving the everyday magic of the past. Our History Center proudly displays a wide array of local historical items, including early children’s toys, vintage household tools, and classic pioneer craftsmanship, all carefully safeguarded for future generations to explore.
A beautifully preserved collection of hand-woven baskets crafted by the Bohall family, prominent Brown County basketmakers. Set against a vintage blue and white quilt, this display highlights the everyday resourcefulness and intricate craftsmanship of early local artisans.
Artist Studio: An unsigned work. Possibly by Ralph Clifton Smith from the 1930’s. The only book on the shelf with a legible title is “American Artists” by Ralph Clifton who worked for the Smithsonian Museum building displays.
Corp. Walter Shulz, son of Ada and Adolph Shulz. Survived WWI, died of Diphtheria soon after. 1895-1918
A necklace and bracelet, old buttons sewn onto an old necktie.
Fred Hetherington created this guest book for his dinner guests to illustrate and sign at his cabin on Jackson Branch Rd. c.1910. Wm. Vawter, L.O. Griffith, & Gustave Bauman were among the guests.
To cook a meal – you might have needed some of these tools. The hearth in the old cabin at the Pioneer Village.
The sailboat in the corner of the Jacquard coverlet is in the “weaver’s block” (his identification). This was woven in Indiana by J. Gilmore in 1841 during the peak of Jacquard coverlet popularity.
Lawver Cabin. Deadfall Branch