Grant County Indiana Historical Society

Collecting, Preserving & Interpreting the heritage of Grant County, Indiana

Welcome

Did You Know?

Grant County was founded on February 10, 1831 and named after Captains Moses and Samuel Grant, cousins of Daniel Boone, who were killed in 1789 by Native Americans near the Ohio River. The county was formed from parts of Adams New Purchase (Adams/Delaware/Randolph Counties) and unorganized Indiana territory. The county seat is Marion.

*William Henry Harrison Haley photo used with permission of Paul Haley (2021)

  • In The Community

    The Grant County Historical Society presented a display booth at the Matter Park Fall Fest in order to let the community know more about our organization. Individuals stopped by the booth to look at the photos and identify the people in them. We look forward to participating in other community events around Grant County in the near future

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  • UFOs in Grant County

    On October 22, 2022 the Grant County Historical Society hosted a program by researcher Phil Leech at the Marion Public Library. This event was well attended with over 70 individuals in attendence.

  • Settlement of Grant County

    At our October 2022 meeting, the Society heard from Grant County Historian Bill Munn on the early settlement of Grant County.

    This was part one of a multi-part series. Stay tuned for more information.

  • Kiss Lori For Me

    The Society was honored to have Dr. Lori Goss-Reaves speak at our September 2022 meeting about her father, Senior Corpsman HM2 Larry Jo Goss, and her quest to find out the truth about his death in Vietnam. She shared stories of his Home Corner days, letters home from Vietnam, and the many connections she has made with veterans while sharing her father’s history.

    Her book, “Kiss Lori For Me” is available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Lori-Me…/dp/1736562916

    Her book has also a FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/375172454771410

  • History Preserved

    The Grant County Historical Society was approached by the publisher of the book, Marion : A Pictorial History, by June R. McKown to know if we would like to obtain the rights to the publication and the negatives used to produce the work.

    A call went out to the membership and to the general public through social media and the Society was able to secure the rights. The publisher delivered the negatives and additional copies of the original book, which are available to view at the Marion Public Library.

    When a reprint will be offered to the public has not been determined, but the Society is grateful to the generosity of the donors who allowed us to maintain this piece of Grant County history.

    The Chronicle-Tribune also ran a nice feature article about the book and our efforts to secure the copyright.

  • Salute to Veterans

    On Saturday, August 27th, the GCHS hosted a “Salute to Grant County Veterans” at the Marion Public Library, featuring Indy Honor Flight.

    Testimonies of local veterans who had participated in Honor Flights were heard and information on the program was distributed.

    Grant County Veterans Service Office also participated in the event.

  • Community Survey

    The Grant County Historical Society is taking a community survey.

    Please take a moment and answer a couple of questions so that we can help gauge the pulse of the community.

  • History of Marion Airport

    Our August 20th Meeting featured a presentation on the History of Marion’s Airport, given by Jordan Ashley, BOAC representative to the City of Marion.

    A lively discussion was held on this interesting facet of Grant County history.

  • History Center at Marion Public Library

    At the July 20, 2022 Meeting, Collen Cramer, head of the History Center at the Marion Public Library, gave a presentation on the resources available and the plans to expand public awareness of the History Center.

    The History Center has featured a speaker series on a variety of topics, which can be accessed through their YouTube Channel

  • In The Community

    The Grant County Historical Society presented a display booth at the Van Buren Popcorn Festival in order to let the community know more about our organization. Individuals stopped by the booth to look at the photos and identify the people in them. We look forward to participating in other community events around Grant County in the near future.