We are the John Hay Center, the face of the Washington County Historical Society.
There is the Stevens Center, the hub of museum complex; with three floors of items unique to Washington County and her people, our collection makes one proud of their community- and will you with an answer when you- or someone you know- tells you, "Its only Washington County."
Within our Pioneer Village we showcase some of the oldest structures from the county; a church, a schoolhouse, a blacksmiths shop, and several houses. We have an antebellum store with a post office and the birthplace and boyhood home of John Hay.
Within the Village "garage" we model transportation over the ages, and pay homage to the strong agricultural heritage we have here in Southern Indiana- everything from a buckboard carriage to a Model T; as well as a hand-cranked corn grinder.
Anchoring the other end of our grounds is the depot Railroad Museum; home of an HO-gauge model lay-out of Salem, Pekin, Campbellsburg, Smedley and Harristown about 1960. The musuem houses multiple pieces of memorablia pertaining to Washington County's integral role in bringing the Monon Railroad into the world. Over time pieces have been added to honor the L&N, the CSX, and many other railroads a delight to railfans young and old.
The gift shop to both museums offer a wide variety of gifts with a focus on local history and points of interest. Post-cards, puzzles, note cards, tee-shirts and books about local history and by local authors make a great gift.
