Monroe County History Center

  • 202 E. 6th Street
  • Bloomington, IN 47408
  • (812) 332-2517
Details

The Monroe County History Center strives to collect, interpret, and present the genealogy, history, and artifacts of Monroe County in order to best depict the heritage & culture of the community. The museum is located in a historical building that was previously a Carnegie Library, and before that, a school for Black children in late 1800s and early 1900s. Here, you can learn about the history of Bloomington's limestone industry, Monroe County transportation, local sports & athletes, and more. The History Center also features rotating exhibits throughout the year. 

Admission: Free for children ages 0-5 years, $1.00 per child ages 6-12 years, and $2.00 per adult.

Featured

Breaking the News: The Past and Uncertain Future of Local Print Journalism

Follow the 199-year history of our local newspaper industry from the beginning and learn about the papers, the people, and the technology that made it possible in this exhibit spanning three galleries. Explore the first paper printed in 1824 and the foundations of print journalism in our county;... Learn more

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On the Corner of History: How Eagleson Avenue Got Its Name

The Eagleson family settled in Monroe County in the 1880s with three generations attending Indiana University. The family actively combated racial discrimination and aided in the integration of the university and community. The Eaglesons and David Baker, musical prodigy, were recognized through... Learn more

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What's in the Photo?

Help the Monroe County History Center identify uncaptioned images from the Herald-Times Archive Collection. You might even find yourself in the collection! Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more

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The Future of News

Local print journalism is changing drastically. Where do we go from here? Join Jeremy Hogan, of the Bloomingtonian; Dave Askins, of the B Square Bulletin; and Jim Rodenbush, Director of the Indiana Daily Student, in a panel discussion of the future of local news. This program is made possible... Learn more

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Featured

"Solar Eclipse of the Heart"

Exhibit: "Solar Eclipse of the Heart," January 9 to April 13, 2024, will highlight the history of solar eclipses in Monroe County and share personal historical accounts from local witnesses. Learn more

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