History for the Future

Education Programs

Our education programs have been made possible in part through a matching grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Here are the education programs available through the Jefferson County Historical Society.
For more information about these programs please contact JoAnne Spiller, Education Director, at education@jchshc.org or 812-265-2335.

History Camp Registration Form

Unpack the Past

Here are links to videos that go with the special suitcase called Unpack the Past.


Quilts Fossils

Grade 3 It’s A Maize-Ing!

Explore the early days of Madison’s agricultural past with this 90-minute interactive program. Learn about hog drives and the importance of the hog industry including the meaning of ear notching. Explore the history of corn and why it’s an important part of Indiana’s economy. Enjoy a chocolate pudding experiment and learn about the area’s “dueling” starch factories and the multiple uses of corn starch. We will also use the book, Lucky Year, which is based on local history. This program is provided free of charge to county-wide third grade classes and is the perfect lead-in for Agricultural Day in the fall. The book has a teacher guide that is downloadable as a PDF. This program meets many state standards across the third grade curriculum.

Grade 4 Heritage Days

This county-wide program takes fourth graders on a journey through the past with visits to a variety of historical sites. The History Center coordinates this program with partners like Historic Madison, Inc., and the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. Explore the History Center via an informational scavenger hunt and a tour of the restored 1894 depot. Visit the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, Lanier Mansion, and other sites. This program meets many state standards across the fourth grade curriculum.

Grade 4 The Railroad and the River

This program focuses on the rich history of the Ohio River and the railroad and how they helped develop the county as well as the state of Indiana. This program was enhanced by a digitization grant in conjunction with the local library. Many articles and historic photos will soon be avaiable.

Madison STEAM Power

This program was developed to show local teachers that STEAM can be taught cross-curriculum and in all grades via local history. We have developed a database of local famous Hoosiers that is a great resource for fourth graders writing their Famous Hoosier reports. The database includes historic photos as well as links to further information about historic sites and events.

Home-school Opportunities

All programs are available for home-school groups and can be modified to accommodate a wide variety of age levels. Program fees apply, and must be prepaid. Home-school groups are welcome to participate in Heritage Days, but must RSVP.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students looking for service hours are welcome to apply as volunteers. We need volunteers to serve at the Art Show Open House, the Christmas workshops, Summer History Camp, and more. Letters are sent to students recording time spent volunteering.

Summer History Camp

This week-long programs lets children grades 1-5 explore local history through games, projects, food and music. Enjoy some “unplugged” time learning about quilting, weaving, fossils, local ethnicities, early games and toys, famous local Hoosiers and more. We end the week with a trolley ride and hand-churned ice cream.

History Camp Registration Form

Research / Capstone Projects

View artwork from all Jefferson County schools in one location at our annual art exhibit. Grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade are displayed for the months of March and April, culminating in an open house where students can show off their projects to friends and family while enjoying cookies and punch. This is a juried art show, with a first place prize given for each grade. All artwork is returned before the end of the school term.

Educational Support

Our educator has a degree in Elementary Education and several endorsements at the secondary level and is available to help compile information for programs and lessons across the curriculum and for all age levels.