PAOLI— The Orange County Historical Society is putting the finishing touches on its Annual Holiday Open House, scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, from 1 to 4 p.m. This festive event will coincide with the Paoli Merchants Open House that afternoon, offering community members a chance to celebrate the season together.
A highlight of this year’s open house will be a new temporary exhibit showcasing Orange County’s musical heritage, set to be displayed in the museum’s upstairs area. The Society is also seeking donations of old-fashioned toys for a special holiday-themed display and inviting local residents to contribute to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the open house activities, the Society will unveil its 2024 Christmas Ornament, which will honor the newly restored Historic Courthouse Clock Tower. Sales for the annual ornament are set to begin in early November, and proceeds will support the upkeep of the museum and its collections.
Visitors can also expect a limited offering of historic bricks from the Courthouse Restoration effort as keepsakes during the event. The year 2025 will mark the 175th anniversary of the courthouse’s construction, making this a significant commemoration.
The museum, located at the southwest corner of the historic Paoli Square, is open most Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through mid-November, with additional hours available by appointment. Tours of the Historic Lindley House are also available by appointment only.
The Society recently launched the “Barn Raising” Campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Lindley House Museum. This initiative has garnered several donations, and plans are underway to construct a small period-style barn at the site, enhancing its interpretation as a mid-19th-century farm home. Donations for this project can be sent to the OCHS P.O. Box 454, Paoli, IN 47454.
Additionally, the “Old-Fashioned 1860s Christmas at the Farmhouse” event will return this year on Sunday, December 1st, offering another opportunity for community engagement.
The Orange County Historical Society’s final regular meeting for 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26th, at 7 p.m. at the Paoli Library. The Society’s Annual Christmas Dinner will take place on December 2nd.
For more information about 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.
