Holiday Open House - November 19th

The Orange County Historical Society is finalizing plans for its upcoming “Holiday Open House” at the Orange County Historic Museum set for Sunday, November 19th from 1 to 4 p.m.  The event is being held in conjunction with the annual Paoli Merchants Christmas Open House being held that same day. 

Artifacts and items of historical significance of Orange County’s rich and interesting history can be viewed during the event at the Museum located on the northwest corner of the Courthouse Square in Paoli.  Admission will be FREE; however, donations are accepted to help with the museum’s upkeep.

Society members maintain a small gift shop area in the main room downstairs that includes a variety of gift giving ideas.   Gift Memberships for 2024 are also available.

In addition, local Author Kevin Tower will be doing a book signing that day for his new book, "Twisting the Tiger's Tail: Illegal Gambling French Lick and West Baden.

Visitors will find a treasure trove of memorabilia through the years including antique clothing, primitive farm tools and woodworking tools, church records, court records, books and a rare miniature English Tudor dollhouse with furnishings. The museum is housed in the 130-year-old historic Dr. J.H. Sherrod House circa 1885.

A one room schoolhouse is re-created upstairs at the museum, reflecting the early American period along with period a doctor’s office.

As a “Fun-Raiser” the group has once again produced a commemorative Christmas Ornament this holiday season celebrating the historic West Baden Springs Hotel. The new ornaments will be on sale during the Open House event.

OCHS President Robert Henderson said “We would like to extend a special invitation to everyone to stop in and visit us during the Open House event and enjoy the many interesting exhibits and display areas.” This will be the last time the Museum will be officially open for the 2023 season outside of appointment for individuals and/or small groups.

In addition to the Holiday Open House at the Museum members will also once again be holding its “Old Fashioned Christmas at the Farmhouse” on Sunday, December 3rd from 2 to 4 p.m. The historic Lindley House, located on Willow Creek Road will be open that afternoon and decorated in part to reflect an 1860s Christmas.