This 20th fund is in support of the Adams County Historical Society.
The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) was formed in 1957 to preserve and educate the history of Adams County, Indiana. The original meetings were held at the local Decatur Public Library.
This mission of the Society is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Adams County's history.
Museum: In 1968, the Society saw the need for a location to call their own. The society was able to purchase the former Charles Dugan Mansion at 420 W. Monroe St., (corner of Fifth and Monroe Streets) Decatur to serve as a home for the society and a museum for the continuously growing collection of county artifacts.
More Information: www.adamscountymuseum.org
After purchased, the mansion needed a lot of work. The very active and dedicated volunteers have finished several much needed renovation projects with grants from Indiana Heritage Support and the ACCF. They were able to restore the front columns and finish all the trim painting. New bases were added along with capitals that had been missing for many years.
In addition to completing the massive undertaking of the front porch, the ACHS restored the back porch, the built-in dining room hutch, the transom window and sidelights on the front door and the old gutters and refinished the hardwood floors. With each project, the Society has been mindful of maintaining and restoring each piece to its original beauty, and purpose. The next notable project is repairing the roof. The historical society welcomes community support for these costly and necessary projects.
The ACHS hosts various activities and events throughout the year. They have hosted painting nights at The HIVE and Antique Car Shows. At the museum, they hold open houses and tours of the Mansion, including the Haunted Mansion Tours in October. In December, the society hosts events such as pictures with Santa, and the Christmas Mingle and Jingle.
Recognizing the need to establish sustainability for the future, the local Adams County Historical Society secured an endowment in the Adams County Community Foundation in 2000. Income from this fund helps the Historical Society preserve and share the history of Adams County with the community and tourists.
The historical society is an all volunteer organization. If you wish to help the historical society, volunteer or provide financial support, please call 260-724-3493 or go to their website: www.adamscountymuseum.org.
The Adams County community is very fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers continue to share their time to manage the upkeep of this stately facility.