Exhibits

The Johnson County Museum exhibits present our history through local artifacts and the stories of its citizens.  Our permanent galleries tell the history of Johnson County beginning with the prehistoric inhabitants through the mid-20th century.

In addition, the museum hosts a series of featured exhibits that change several times per year.  There is always something new to see at the Johnson County Museum of History.

Featured Exhibits

Coming in February, 2012

"The Language of Color"

Paintings by John Strickland

 

Early Inhabitants:
Native Americans & European Traders

• A collection of pre-historic and historic Native American artifacts
• Early American and fur trade items, tools, and weaponry

Pioneer Settlers of Johnson County

We have original artifacts from the first settlers of Johnson County, including a coverlet and violin owned by Sally and Lewis Hendricks. For the young visitors, there is a walk-though reproduction Conestoga wagon, and pioneer dress-up clothes for boys and girls.

Segment of a Conestoga wagon owned by Simon Covert,

an early settler in Johnson County.

Suddenly Heroes:
Indiana Infantry in the Civil War

                                 

The Hopewell Flag was created by                       

the women of the Hopewell Presbyterian

Church of Franklin during the Civil War.

Victorian Life

Reproduction of a Victorian era parlor, including:

• Victrola 
• Stereoview cards and viewer (hands-on exhibit)
• parlor organ
• typewriter and adding machine
• antique photographs
• toys



 

Serving County and Country

  

Historic items, photos, and memorabilia pay tribute to those Johnson County residents who served the armed forces, from the Spanish American War to the present.

Special exhibits highlight the history of Camp Atterbury during World War II. 

The Fabulous ‘50s/War and Peace

See the 1953 Chrysler, our tribute to Nick’s Candy Kitchen and other Johnson County drive-ins and hangouts, and a collection of 1950s memorabilia.

Do you remember the early days of the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin?

The Johnson County Museum has on display the Popcorn machine that was used in the Artcraft during the 1950s, and other Artcraft memories.

 The Wooton Desk

This desk, made at the Wooton Desk Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, belonged to Dr. Barnett Wallace of Franklin, IN, who used it in his medical practice in the 1860s.

Artwork

The museum collection includes artwork by local area artists, including Industrial (1989), an oil painting by Whiteland artist Cecil Head (1906-1995) seen above, and A Night on the Town by Edinburgh artist Rick Wilson (below).

  On display is the beautiful vintage stained glass window from Hurricane Baptist Church, near Franklin.

The Hendricks Cabin

The Hendricks Cabin is located at the northwest side of the Johnson County Museum parking lot. In 1993, the Hendricks Log Cabin was moved to the grounds of the Johnson County Museum and re-assembled. The cabin was built in 1835 in the Needham area, 3 miles east of Franklin on state Road 44, by Sally and Lewis Lemasters Hendricks. 

The cabin is open by appointment only, or during selected museum events.

In 2011, the newly installed Victory Garden box was planted with a "Three Sisters" companion garden, consisting of corn, beans and squash. Members of the Johnson County Garden Club also added a variety of medicinal herbs such as Echinacea, feverfew, thyme, and garlic, to enhance the beauty of the site. 

Online Exhibits