Mission Statement
“The mission of the Hendricks County Historical Museum is to collect, preserve and interpret items relating to the people, places and events of Hendricks County and to stimulate public interest in the heritage of the county through education, exhibits and special programs.”
Just in time for your holiday shopping!
The new book “Hello from Hendricks County, Indiana” is available for purchase.
Celebrating Hendricks County’s Bicentennial
The book is available for purchase locally at the Hendricks County Museum (170 S. Washington St., Danville) or at Forget-Me-Nots (127 S. Washington St., Danville).
Those interested in purchasing a book can call or email the museum to make arrangements for pick up or to have a copy mailed.
The softbound book is 119 pages, fully indexed, and with photographs. Cost is $20 per book ($25 if mailed). Checks may be made payable to: Hendricks County Historical Museum
At this time, there is no online ordering or credit card payment options available through the Museum.
Forget-Me-Nots gift shop is able to do credit card sales in the store.
For more information, please contact the Hendricks County Museum (317) 718-6158 or, hcmuseum@co.hendricks.in.us
“Dancing With the Hendricks County Stars” is the museum’s major fundraiser, originating in 2015.
This year will celebrate the 10th anniversary of DWHCS on May 3, 2025, which is the date of the famed Kentucky Derby, the theme of the event!
Here’s what happened in May of 2024!
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Explore the museum’s digital collections online
by browsing via the PastPerfect Online Gateway.
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Click here to watch Highlights of Dancing With the Hendricks County Stars 2023
Our 2024 Title Sponsors for Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars:
Special thanks to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Arthur Murray Studios for their generous support with this event.
We appreciate the community’s support in helping keep the Hendricks County Museum going strong!
Take a Virtual Tour of the Museum!
Click here
Thanks to Visit Hendricks County for providing this video
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The Museum is open March – December. Closed January and February.
Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Fridays and Saturdays.
We are happy to accept your research questions. However, due to the limited staffing resources, we may not be able to guarantee research time spent or results.
Please allow several days for proper handling of your question.
The Hendricks County Museum is at 170 S. Washington Street in Danville, just one block south of the courthouse square in the building that served from 1868 to 1974, as the Hendricks County Sheriff’s home, with the jail in the basement. It is furnished as it would have been in the late 1800s.
For more information, contact us at: hcmuseum@co.hendricks.in.us or (317) 718- 6158.
About Us
The museum is located in the former Sheriff’s Residence and jail. Built in 1866 at an approximate cost of $30,000, it served as the county jail until 1974. The building is owned and maintained by the county. The museum staff is responsible for the contents and display of the collections.
Events
Tours
If you’re interested in having a tour of the museum, click the link below and fill out the form on the tours page.
Collections
The Hendricks County Historical Museum is a fascinating place filled with artifacts dating back to 1866 when the Museum served as the Sheriff’s Residence and jail. There are several rooms decorated in the period of early 1900’s, including the kitchen, parlor and bedrooms. Come and experience the rich history of Hendricks County, Indiana.
Rooms
- Central Normal College
- The Old Jail
- Military Room
- Sheriff’s Office
- Kitchens
- Parlor
- Children’s Room
- Adult’s Room
- Changing Exhibit
Rooms Gallery
Available Items
Some of our items are available for purchase. To view a list of these items, click the button below.
