The 2020 pandemic is hardly the first rodeo for the building erected in 1838 as an inn for weary stagecoach passengers traveling through the wilderness of early Indiana.
Now serving as the home for the Jennings County History Society, the North American House Museum will again open its doors to visitors on June 17.
Because of the pandemic, the museum was closed to the public since March,
Following Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s coronavirus safety guidelines, the museum will be open at 50% capacity beginning next week.
According to museum curator Chris Asher volunteers and museum staff have continued to work behind the scenes to update museum historical collections and plan future events.
Asher said while the museum was closed two especially interesting donations were received.
The family of Kay Brown donated a handmade quilt that depicts key Jennings County Historical landmarks.
“We are overwhelmed by the beauty and quality of the quilt,” said Asher, adding that for preservation reasons, the quilt would only be displayed in the museum at certain times.
Recent donations to the museum also include a collection of historical photographs by renowned photographers Edward J. Walker and Otto White.
The photographs include pictures of local historical sites as they once stood including the Old Tunnel Mill.
Plans for the annual Jennings County Historical Society’s Annual Home and Gardens Tour are also underway.
The Home and Garden Tour is scheduled for June 27 and 28.
Tickets for the Home and Garden Tour can be purchased for $ 13 each beginning this week by calling 812-346-8989.
The North American House Museum is located at 134 Brown St in Vernon, just across from the Jennings County Court House.
For hours and more information call 812-345-8989.
