The Sugar Creek Historical Society announced it has been awarded $11,000 through the Community Foundation of Boone County’s 2024 Unrestricted Grant program. The funding will be used to complete the next phase of safety improvements for the Thorntown Heritage Museum’s barn, expanding the museum.
The barn was purchased in 2021 with the hope of it being used to expand the historic collection. It has needed some major safety and cosmetic improvements to be useable. This includes replacing an unsafe staircase and entry ways, and making an A.D.A compliant entryway and sidewalk. The addition of this space will allow for a permanent basketball exhibit working with the Boone County Basketball Hall of Fame. Restoring the barn will also allow that space to be used for more exhibits, historical programming for our community and the opportunity to work with local schools to allow students to come learn Thorntown/Sugar Creek history.
“It is so important that people know the history of where they are living, because it shapes who they are,” said Kirsten Wamsley, Director of Sugar Creek Historical Society. “This expansion will mean we will be able to reach more people, especially youth, and hopefully inspire them to be more involved in their community and preserving the history in this town.”
The society had already contributed more than $21,000 on the first phase of the project. Thanks to donations from our community, the Thorntown Public Library’s Euchre night, fundraising efforts by the Sugar Creek Historical Society and now this grant from the Community Foundation of Boone County the project can be completed, allowing the society to open the barn by August 2025. A special ceremony celebrating the projects completion will be announced at a later date.
“We are thrilled to support Sugar Creek Historical Society’s expansion of the Thorntown Heritage Museum,” said Ali Maxey, Director of Education & Grantmaking for CFBC. “This project will preserve and showcase the rich history of our community for future generations, and we are proud to play a part in ensuring that these stories continue to be shared.”
Sugar Creek Historical Society
The Thorntown Heritage Museum is owned by the Thorntown Public Library and operated by the Sugar Creek History Society, a 501(c)3 organization. The purpose of the society is to preserve historic artifacts, display and interpret local history and educate residents and visitors about Thorntown/Sugar Creek History. The museum is open Saturdays 11-4, Memorial Day to the conclusion of the Festival of the Turning Leaves or by appointment all year round. There is no cost to visit the museum.
