About

HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM

In 1930 the Wayne County, Indiana Historical Society accepted the gift of extensive personal collections from Julia Meek Gaar, and the gift of the historical Friends Meeting House at 1150 North A Street, Richmond from the Whitewater Monthly Meeting of Friends (General Conference) commonly known as Hicksites. The beautiful Meetinghouse ground was purchased and two adjoining lots were added later.

Through the succeeding years area residents have contributed countless heirlooms and memorabilia to help establish an outstanding record of the past. Others have given cash donations and bequests which made possible the Lindemuth addition in 1954 and accessory buildings which include the county’s oldest log school house (1812) and a typical two story log residence built in 1823. Wayne County history is particularly significant because this county became a major gateway to the West and at one time was the most populous county in Indiana. When the National Road opened in 1833, countless emigrant families trudged over it on their way westward.

Location

The museum is located on a beautifully kept former Hicksite Meeting House that is on the National Register of Historic Places. We are located in the Starr Historic District and easily accessible to visitors.

We have accessible parking in the rear parking lot located at N. 11th Street and B street. The Museum building is accessible via ramp located on the East side of the building. Please let us know at least 24 hours prior to your visit if additional accommodations are necessary. 

1150 N A St, Richmond, IN
(765) 962-5756

Staff

Our friendly and hardworking staff greet visitors upon arrival and do everything they can to keep the museum in excellent shape.

Maggie Smith
Guest Services & Marketing Coordinator
office@wchmuseum.org   

Spencer Benner
Programs Manager
education@wchmuseum.org

Kerry George
Collections Manager
collections@wchmuseum.org

John Shipley
Facility Manager
facilities@wchmuseum.org                                                                                                 

Amanda Jetmore
Bookkeeper

BOARD MEMBERS

The museum board guides the future of the museum and works closely with WCHM staff to manage the facilities and finances of the museum. 
 
Tina Conti,  President

Christian Adams, Vice President

Bill Glunt, Treasurer

Olga Evanusa-Rowland, Secretary

Sue King- Immediate Past President

Justin Carroll

Derek Callahan

Shane Edington

Jenny Freed

Paul Jordan

Dianna Kirksey

Stephanie McCurdy

Robert Williams