The Hendricks County Historical Museum in Danville is a former sheriff’s residence and jail built in 1866-67, later becoming a historical museum in 1974.
Three floors feature bedrooms, two kitchens and the former jail, among other displays. Throughout, visitors can see artifacts dating back to 1866, ranging from historical toys to period clothing.
Another room in the home features military artifacts and information from veterans in Hendricks County.
Some exhibits are changed each year, creating a new experience for return visitors and students.
This year, a special project may change the annual holiday decorating, special events and more.
“Our jail cells have been losing their lead-based paint. It’s flaking off badly,” Pat Baldwin, president of the Hendricks County Historical Museum Board of Directors, said. “We’ve been trying to come up with a solution to get rid of the lead-based paint but save the graffiti. We haven’t been able to let people visit the jail all year.”
The jail is the No. 1 thing — graffiti and all — visitors remember, according to Baldwin, and it’s going to be a large undertaking to refurbish it without compromising its historical integrity.
“Our County Facilities Manager Dennis Eickmann found someone with this expertise. We applied for a grant; we’ve been saving money, and our big hope is over the winter, we’ll have the jail refurbished and open to the public this spring,” Baldwin said. “This is a major undertaking, but we want the jail cells to be accessible for the next 100 years.”
Most visitors are interested in the history of the jail and how it connects to the local sheriff.
Just a few steps down from the living area, there is a male side of the jail and a female or younger prisoner side, with showers on both sides. If the prisoners were loud enough, the sheriff ’s family living in the home could hear them.
“There were at least two escapes when the prisoner got to the residence portion of the home, and there’s one story where the sheriff’s wife held a prisoner at gunpoint until her husband got home,” Baldwin said. “We know there were a couple of murderers and a gal involved with [ John] Dillinger’s gang that stayed there. It’s very interesting to visitors.”
Despite the project being underway and the museum being closed in January and February, there will still be plenty of things that need to be done.
“Even when we’re closed to visitors, we’re busy. We’re cataloging, researching some of our prior sheriffs and working on a new program we’ll have in 2027; giving grants to local teachers for history in their classrooms,” Baldwin said. “We’re realizing that unlike 40 years ago, we can’t sit here and wait for school buses to come to us. That doesn’t happen anymore, so we want to make it accessible in the classroom and support teachers doing what they do best.”
There are a variety of ways to get involved.
Baldwin said the museum is always in need of docents. They train volunteers, costumes are not required, and no time commitment is required.
“We need people who can do research. We’re always looking for people with expertise. For example, we have a quilter who knows a lot about quilts and can help us with certain projects,” Baldwin said. “If you want to help, just let us know. Leave a message or an email, and we’ll get back with you.”
They’ll also soon begin looking for dancers for their annual, popular fundraiser, Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars. Interested parties and sponsors are welcome to contact the museum.
The museum is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment, March through December.
Visit hendrickscountymuseum.org for more information.
