History of the Society

White County Historical Society was the vision of William H. Hamelle. He presented the idea at the White County Old Settlers meeting, August 26, 1911. Committee members appointed to organize the Society were J.B. VanBuskirk, William H. Hamelle, Bernard G. Smith, James P. Simons, and Will S. Bushnell. These gentlemen met at the office of Spencer & Hamelle on the evening of September 1, 1911, and effected the organization of the White County Historical Society. The first annual meeting was held in Library Hall, Monticello IN, April 19, 1912.

On October 28, 1958, a meeting was "arranged and planned for the purpose of reactioning White County Historical Society on a permanent basis." More than sixty persons signed on as Charter Members of the White County Historical Society.

In 1971, after storing the museum collections at the Monticello Library for several years, the discussion turned to the possibility of a County Museum. Finally, in 1976, with gratitude to the White County Commissioners, a room was set-aside in the new County Building for a museum on the second floor.

With museum acquisitions growing, the White County Historical Society needed a larger space. That space was provided in 1992 when the Monticello Public Library moved to a new building on West Broadway, leaving the Carnegie Building, on Bluff Street vacant. After minor renovations, the Carnegie Building became the proud home of the White County Historical Society.