Ohio County Historical Society, Inc. & Museum Website

212 S. Walnut
Rising Sun, Indiana 47040
cthies@comcast.net

Clifford Thies, Director

Established in 1968, the Ohio County Historical Society opened its museum in 1972. Housed in a 19th century plow factory, most of the contents have been donated by Ohio County residents, their families, and friends. Displays focus on the 1800′s and early 20th century life and events. Included in the displays is an AUTO-HARP, the first coin-operated music player.

The best known item in the collection is the racing boat, HOOSIER BOY, famous raceboat of the early 1900′s. The boat holds the record between Cincinnati and Louisville, round trip, at 60 mph. It was designed, built and raced by J. W. Whitlock of Rising Sun.

On October 5, 2003, the HOOSIER GIRL, the sister boat to the HOOSIER BOY, came home.  The HOOSIER GIRL was built in the 1940s after the first one (built 1908) sunk in the early 1940s.  She is an exact duplicate of the original boat.

The Ohio County Historical Society Museum has the finest historical collection in southeastern Indiana.

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Our Mission Statement

To promote the heritage of Ohio County through the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts pertaining to local and area history, by means of the Ohio County Historical Society and its educational programs.