The Sugar Creek Historical Society sponsors the Thorntown Heritage Museum, which is located at 124 West Main Street, Thorntown, Indiana. It is hoped that on your visit you find something that arouses your imagination about lifetimes past in this part of Indiana and especially, in Thorntown since its founding in 1830. The museum is an exposition of memorabilia, artifacts, photographs, curiosities, and general day-to-day objects from the lives of the many inhabitants of Thorntown and the surrounding area. Included in these inhabitants were Native Americans, pioneers, soldiers, farmers, merchants, and inventors -- a broad spectrum of people that worked hard to develop this part of our state. Please enjoy with us the fine memories they have left behind.

Founded in 1831 as a possible site for the county seat, Thorntown has ties not only to Native American heritage, but also to the heritage and development of Boone County. Much of that history is commemorated in the Thorn room and throughout the museum. The life and times of the central Indiana pioneer and farmer are memorialized through the display of their tools and other daily artifacts. A kitchen, bedroom, and historic clothing are also featured. A wooden washing machine that must be filled early so that the wood swells to hold water is demonstrated, and military artifacts, including uniforms, cannonballs, and surgical tools are displayed.

The Museum Building

This fine old home was made available to the Society for the Preservation of Our Indian Heritage in 1977 by Mrs. Harold S. Spencer. She donated it in the memory of her husband and her parents because of their lifelong interest in Thorntown and its historic past, a past with which this house and land are intimately connected. The lot was in the original plat of Thorntown laid out in 1829-1830, and the building of the house dates back to around 1863 to 1867.

Hours of Operation

The Thorntown Heritage Museum is open Fridays 4-7 PM; Saturdays 11-5, and Sundays 1-4 PM, holiday Mondays 1-4 PM, Wednesdays 11-4 PM. Main Exhibit Gallery, May through September.

Click on the "Yahoo! Maps" button so that you can find where we are along with driving directions to our door!