Collecting, preserving and interpreting the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Putnam County, Indiana is our mission. The Putnam County Museum accomplishes that mission each time a visitor comes through our door.
We invite you to come through our door! Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to enrich visitors’ experiences by providing interesting narrative about exhibits and objects, answering questions, and sharing stories about life, work and art in Putnam County.
Children are welcome at the Museum and have a special area in which to play and explore — The Round Barn. While other museums in Indiana have their barns on the outside, Putnam County Museum has its barn on the inside! A model replica of a unique structure that once stood on the outskirts of Greencastle, the Round Barn is a favorite place in the museum for kids, both young and old.
Youth and school groups or organizations are welcome and we provide storytelling, touchable items from the past, vintage dress-up, and seek-and-find games for different age groups.
Tour groups, clubs and family reunions are encouraged to meet here. The museum offers an area for events, workshops, meetings and presentations. We have a full kitchen, table linens, dining tables and chairs. Call to learn more about utilizing our meeting area for your get-together.
Our gift shop features many artistic items produced locally, including pottery, fiber arts and photography. Books by local authors, for both children and adults are also featured.
Exhibits rotate frequently, so there’s always something new to see. The county’s founding families continue to be spotlighted, as well as Putnam County potters and artists. There’s always a focus on some aspect of agricultural heritage… currently corn and dairying, with the mandatory tractors, planters, pickers, and churns, buckets and milk cans. Other exhibits concern early retail in Putnam County: diners, restaurants and way houses, the cottage industry and CastleCraft jewelry. Furniture manufacturing, weaving, clothing and milling are also areas to be explored.
The Museum has grown since its founding in 2002 thanks to the generosity of members, local businesses, donors and the talents and energies of the community, volunteers and staff. Admission is free, however, donations are appreciated and encouraged.
The Museum is open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 to 2:00 p.m., and by appointment. Call 765-653-8419 to schedule a custom visit.
We are located at 1105 North Jackson Street, Greencastle, Indiana 46135. Like us on Facebook and check out our website at www.putnamcountymuseum.org.