The collection displayed in the Porter County Museum began with Indiana's Centennial Celebration in 1916, the determination and perseverance of the 28 founding members of the Historical Society, and the generosity of people within our community.
The Historical Society's collection was officially showcased for the first time in the basement of the Valparaiso Public Library on May 11th, 1922. When space became restricted, the collection was moved to the third floor of the Porter County Courthouse. The re-displayed collection was first opened to the public on January 17th, 1938.
After nearly 40 years, the collection once again needed to find a larger home. Following much debate, the Historical Society's collection moved to the Old County Jail and Sheriff's Residence on September 17th, 1974. The Old Jail Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 11th, 1975: 53 years after the collection was first publicly displayed. Quickly thereafter, the museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 23rd, 1976. In May 2007, the Old Jail Museum officially became the Porter County Museum. Now on the verge of opening full-time for the public, the Museum continues to be an integral part of Porter County and the surrounding community.
Historical Society of Porter County History
The Historical Society of Porter County (HSPC), originally the Porter County Historical Society (PCHS), was founded by 28 charter members in 1912. The first President of the PCHS was Mr. Martin Arvine Gregory. The organization's initial purpose was to both preserve and promote Porter County history.
Upon the realization that he could no longer allocate the time, Mr. Gregory turned over control of the PCHS to the Daughter's of The American Revolution (DAR) on December 6th, 1929. Both the organization and collection of the PCHS were entrusted to the William Henry Harrison chapter of the DAR. From 1929 to 1949, the regent of the DAR also acted as the President of the PCHS.
After a lapse in time and new state laws, the PCHS lost its incorporated status. On October 6th, 1948, Miss Ruth Robbins and other members re-filed the organization under the name Historical Society of Porter County, Inc. During the meeting on January 25th, 1949, Miss Robbins separated the Historical Society from the DAR and held elections to form a new board of directors. Under the direction of Mr. T.O. Dillon, the first President of the Historical Society of Porter County, the organization worked to achieve the same goals as it does today.
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