Vigo County Historical Museum

The Vigo County Historical Society was formed in 1922. Members of the Society were people with a strong interest in the history of the area and its development.  From 1922 until 1957 the Society had no permanent headquarters. Though it did collect artifacts and historical documents, it housed them in various locations throughout Terre Haute. In 1957 the Society, using a donation from the Hulman Foundation and donations from the general public, purchased the Sage mansion at 1411 South Sixth Street. The beautiful Victorian Italianate home became the headquarters for the Historical Society and the county's first Historical Museum. It opened to the public in May of 1958 with three rooms of displays. The museum has grown from its original three rooms to 18 rooms of exhibits. The Society also operates and maintains the Paul Dresser Birthplace located in Fairbanks Park. The Historical Museum is open to the public from 1pm to 4pm daily except Mondays and major holidays. There is no admission charge. The Museum is closed during the month of January.  The Historical Society does not limit itself strictly to the museum, but offers a wide variety of programs and activities.  With a strong belief that history can be both interesting and entertaining, volunteers for the Society's many events work hard to make programs enjoyable and informative.