ORANGE CO. – The Orange County Historical Society (OCHS) is gearing up for a busy season filled with community events, preservation efforts, and historical commemorations. Society President Robert Henderson recently outlined several upcoming projects and activities during the September 24th meeting.
Local History Night Partnership
In collaboration with the Paoli Library and Saving Historic Orange County (SHOC), the OCHS will host “An Evening in the Past…” on Tuesday, October 15th. This local history night, scheduled from 5 to 7 pm at the Library, invites the public to share and hear stories from Orange County’s rich heritage.
Courthouse Documentary and Commemorative Items
Work continues on the Orange County Courthouse Documentary, with Henderson anticipating a DVD release later this fall. The documentary will showcase recent restoration work and provide a general landmark history. DVDs will be available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop.
The Society has also unveiled the official artwork for its 2024 Christmas Ornament, celebrating the newly restored Historic Courthouse Clock Tower. This annual fundraiser, benefiting museum upkeep, is set to begin in early November. Additionally, plans are underway to offer a limited number of historic bricks from the Courthouse restoration as keepsakes.
Lindley House Updates
The “Barn Raising” Campaign, launched earlier this year to commemorate the Lindley House’s 50th anniversary, has received several recent donations. The campaign aims to construct a small, period-appropriate barn structure to enhance the site’s historical interpretation.
Thanks to donations from member Patrice Rabalais and her family, the Lindley House’s back garden area has been renamed “The Thompson Family Garden,” a new sign will be erected this fall.
Upcoming Events
- Holiday Open House at the Museum: November 24th, 1-4 pm
- “Old-Fashioned 1860s Christmas at the Farmhouse” at the Lindley House: December 1st
- Annual Christmas Dinner: December 2nd, catered by Jerry Wall
In March 2025, the Society plans to hold a special program and place a new historic marker in Orleans to mark the 150th anniversary of Tom Moody’s murder, a pivotal event in the famed Moody-Tolliver Feud.
Community Engagement
The OCHS reports a successful summer season, with visitors from the local area and several states exploring the museum and Lindley House. The Society is seeking donations of old-fashioned toys for a special holiday-themed display at the Museum in November.
For more information on the Orange County Historical Society and its activities, contact Society President Robert F. Henderson at 812-653-1212, email info@historicorangecounty.org, or visit www.historicorangecounty.org.
