The Jefferson County Historical Society is located in heart of the National Historic Landmark District of downtown Madison, Indiana. Madison, founded in 1809, is well known for its preserved 19th century architecture, railroad history, and its beautiful riverfront on the Ohio River. It was once a busy steamboat port, and was the terminus of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, the first railroad in Indiana.

The Heritage Center offers visitors a permanent exhibit gallery featuring Jefferson County and Madison history, a restored 1895 railroad station, a wooden caboose, and a Children’s Education facility. Also in the Heritage Center is our Research Library which makes available to researchers our collections of genealogy, maps, early government records, photographs, and other materials.

We have made available for purchase, a selection of items from our Heritage Center Gift Shop. You will find historical books, postcards, publications, and children's items, all related to the fascinating history of Jefferson County, Indiana.

Founded in 1850, the Society stands as one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the Midwest and is a leader among heritage organizations in that region. We have won repeated recognition from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services for outstanding performance in all areas of museum operations. Our by-laws state clearly that we are dedicated to “the collection and preservation of the artifacts and documents which are significant to the history of Jefferson County.” To that end, we have continually become ever more active and involved in service our community.