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

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

Bloomington Total Solar Eclipses - 1869 & 2024

On April 8, 2024 at 3:04pm, Monroe County will be in the path of totality of a solar eclipse for the first time since 1869. In this exhibit, compare the scientific, social, and pop cultural response to this cosmic event 155 years apart. Learn more

Punk @ the Old Library

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

Pieces of Me

Reserved Seating: https://monroehistory.org/events/pieces-of-me/ Discover Bo Petersen's family secrets in a riveting one-woman performance. Unveiling her father's hidden life during Apartheid, this play delves into identity complexities and the impact of historical injustices. More than a... Learn more

Memory Walk

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

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