New historical society exhibits range from ’70s to cemeteries

Part of a Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum exhibit on the 1970s includes references to Vietnam.

Photo by Don Nissen

A well-cultured TV viewer will know immediately what one of the Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum’s latest exhibits is about.

As soon as a video clip begins with the sing-song lyrics “Here’s the story of a lovely lady/Who was bringing up three very lovely girls,” much of the free world of yesteryear is already on to the fact that this is a reference to “The Brady Bunch”, and these are the groovy ’70s the venue is spotlighting.

The catchy tune and snippet playing on a loop on an old Arvin Industries television screen is just one very contemporary part of “Pivot of Change: The 1970s in Bartholomew County & the World” at the nonprofit museum at 524 Third St. in downtown Columbus. Also new are exhibitions for “Stories in the Stones: Bartholomew County Cemeteries,” “A Match Made in Heaven: Local Matchbook Collections,” “Travels and Triumphs: Mayor Bob Stewart Photo Collection” and the fanciful, imaginative art of longtime local artist Jeri Cannon as part of a continuing artist series.

About 100 people attended a recent opening.

The displays are expected to run through June, according to organizers. Once again, much of the content shows the organization as one willing to highlight more recent aspects of history that today’s population have lived and experienced firsthand — something of a hallmark of Diane Robbins’ work since she was named executive director.

Museum collections manager Jared Anderson conceived much of the material from the society’s collections.

“And our goal always is to share as much of what we have (as possible),” Robbins said. “And people have really enjoyed this so far because it’s so nostalgic. … And we are certainly still trying to remind people that history can be that which was 20, 30 and 40 years ago — not necessarily 100 years ago.”

The “Pivot of Change” display includes a wood-paneled setting and a floral print couch indicative of the ’70s.

Though Anderson is too young to have personally experienced the 1970s, he acknowledged that “I knew a little bit of the aesthetic.”

And he sees the display as especially timely because elements such as ’70s music have surfaced often in pop culture in recent years. Anderson cited everything from pop group Abba’s comeback after the movie soundtrack of “Mamma Mia” to singer Elton John’s mixing with younger artists such as Dua Lipa.

The ’70s portion also delves into pieces of local controversy, such as the 1971 underground, progressive newspaper called “Different Drummer” published at then-Columbus High School. Stories ranged from how to burn your draft card to anti-Vietnam rants. The publication drew so much attention back in the day that even the Columbus City Council addressed the matter.

Anderson pointed out that the cemeteries exhibit already has connected with the public, too. And no wonder, with more than 160 area burial grounds to consider.

“We definitely don’t want people to view cemeteries as dark and creepy places,” Anderson said.

Toward that end, the historical society currently is planning a Talking Tombstones event May 4 at the Columbus City Cemetery to highlight local historical figures. Area actors will portray significant people speaking of their life.

“It’s crazy how popular this is becoming,” Robbins said.

About the exhibits

More details about the exhibits are available at bartholomewhistory.org. The Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum at 524 Third St. is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Donations are welcomed.