Monroe County History Center
- 202 E. 6th Street
- Bloomington, IN 47408
- (812) 332-2517
The mission of the Monroe County History Center is to collect, preserve, and present the genealogy, historical accounts, and artifacts of Monroe County in order to best depict the heritage & culture of the community. Housed within a historic limestone building initially erected as a Carnegie Library, the site has deeper roots as the location of early local educational establishments, including the Colored School, a segregated school for Black children during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Inside these walls, visitors can explore the vibrant history of Bloomington's limestone industry, the evolving landscape of Monroe County's transportation systems, the enduring legacy of local legends, from athletes to musicians, and an array of other captivating narratives. The Research Library offers a wealth of information on family genealogy and local history. Additionally, the History Center regularly hosts dynamic rotating exhibits, offering fresh perspectives and insights year-round.
Barns of Monroe County: Our Heritage Built in Wood
- January 23, 2024 - June 29, 2024
- Monroe County History Center
- (812) 332-2517
The shape and construction of a barn can tell the immigration story of the farmer who built it. Early white settlers to Monroe County were generally of English, Scottish, Irish, or German descent and their homes and barns reflected the building traditions of their respective cultural heritage.... Learn more
Punk @ the Old Library
- April 2, 2024 - September 28, 2024
- Monroe County History Center
- (812) 332-2517
From the Gizmos to the Smears, punk has been alive and well in Bloomington for the last 50 years! Celebrate the scene that helps make Bloomington unique with this retrospective exhibit featuring bands, artwork, venues, and labels from the ‘70s to the early 2000s. Learn more
Memory Walk
- Dates vary between February 26, 2024 - December 16, 2024
- Monroe County History Center
- (812) 332-2517
Memory Walks are a great way to share stories inspired by the History Center’s exhibit galleries! These dementia-friendly Memory Walks highlight objects on display while our own stories of Monroe County. Register to join the Memory Walk at monroehistory.org/livingwithhistory/. Memory Walks... Learn more
No Rolling Stones: a Landscape Perspective of the Dry Stack Stone Walls of Monroe County
- April 25, 2024
- Monroe County History Center
- (812) 332-2517
If you navigate the hills and valleys of the western half of Monroe County, you will pass many stands of dry stack stone walls. Wall stones have been repurposed near where walls once marked a property line or other notable location. Join Susan Snider Salmon as we look at the stories of what is... Learn more
Praise the Lord! The Precedence, Practitioners, and Power of Gospel Music in Bloomington
- April 30, 2024 - August 24, 2024
- Monroe County History Center
- (812) 332-2517
On campus and off, gospel music is thriving in Bloomington! In this exhibit guest curated by Dr. Alonza Lawrence, learn about the history and ongoing impact of several area choirs: IU’s African-American Choral Ensemble, Voices of Hope, and the choirs of Second Baptist, Bethel AME, and Lighthouse... Learn more
43rd Annual Garage Sale
- Dates vary between June 14, 2024 - June 17, 2024
- (812) 332-2517
43 years and Counting! The annual Garage Sale is our biggest fundraiser every year. Powered by the dedicated work of volunteers, the second weekend in June is quite an exciting time. From antiques to household items, there is sure to be something for everyone. All items are donated from... Learn more
