Montgomery County Historical Society getting ready for 2026 tourism season

The Montgomery County Historical Society is preparing to open its doors for scheduled and walk-in tours on April 1. Located in the historic Lane Place in Crawfordsville, the Society is planning to host major exhibits and events in celebration of America250: the semiquincentennial of the signing for the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Following its opening, an exhibit sharing the lives of Henry and Joanna Lane during the American Civil War will be featured. Henry S. Lane was one of Crawfordsville’s most notable residents, having served in public office for the majority of his life. He’s regarded as one of the main architects for the modern Indiana State Republican Party, later helping bring the nation’s first Republican president to the White House: Abraham Lincoln. With the assistance of his wife, the couple constructed their Greek Revival-style mansion within the district of Elston Grove on the city’s east side in 1845. Joanna was the daughter of Isaac C. Elston, a prominent land developer and merchant. Her vast knowledge on construction led her to personally direct the Lane Place’s creation. The exhibit on the couple’s life is titled A Journey Through Conflict: The Lanes and the American Civil War. It’ll remain open until the 2026 season’s conclusion in November.

Visitors can also view the Society’s satellite exhibit in the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, which showcases local residents and their contributions to civic, military, and community life. Titled A Tradition of Service: Montgomery County Through the Years, it remains open until the end of May.

General admission to the Lane Place is $10 for adults and $5 for children. To book a tour online, click or tap here.

The Lane Place is also the home for the Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival, which is held annually in June. This year’s festival will run from June 12-14. To learn more about the festival, click or tap here.

To learn more about the Montgomery County Historical Society and its upcoming events, click or tap here.