Hello Rising Sun,

I hope everyone is staying cool during this summer heat!

This week's issue highlights one of Rising Sun's hidden gems: the Ohio County Historical Society. I hope you enjoy the visit, along with this week's community events and happenings.

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful week!

Peggy

If you're looking for a great way to spend an afternoon out of the summer heat, I have a suggestion.

This week I stopped by the Ohio County Historical Society on South Walnut Street, and I was reminded just how much history is tucked away right here in Rising Sun.

Executive Director Cliff Thies was kind enough to sit down and chat with me for a while. As we talked about the museum and its history, I quickly realized this isn't just a museum, it's a place filled with stories.

One of the first things Cliff shared was the history of the building itself.

Many people don't realize that part of today's museum was once the Clore Plow Works, built in 1849. The Clore family helped drive local manufacturing throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s. At one time, the Clore works was one of the area's largest employers, producing plows, furniture, and even boats. Rather than seeing this historic building disappear, it was preserved and repurposed into the Historical Society we enjoy today.

One of my favorite surprises was stepping into the peaceful courtyard garden hidden behind the museum. It's beautifully landscaped and feels like a quiet little oasis in the middle of town. I could have spent quite a while just sitting there enjoying the flowers.

As I continued through the museum, one exhibit immediately caught my attention—a preserved two-headed calf born near Madison, Indiana, in 1989. According to the display, the calf lived only 45 minutes after being delivered by cesarean section. While it's certainly one of the museum's most unusual exhibits, it's also a reminder of the unique stories that local museums help preserve.

Another feature that impressed me was the museum's event hall, located inside the historic Clore Wing. With its exposed timber beams and original brick walls, it has a warm historic atmosphere that would be perfect for family reunions, graduation parties, wedding receptions, business meetings, or community gatherings. The hall rents for just $80 for four hours, making it one of the best values I've seen for a venue in our area.

While I was there, I also noticed the beautiful USA 250 commemorative quilt that is currently being raffled as a fundraiser for the Historical Society. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5, with the drawing scheduled for December 18, 2026.

I left realizing that I had only scratched the surface.

There are exhibits on local industries, military history, riverboats, early businesses, agriculture, and many other pieces of Ohio County's story. In fact, I already have a few ideas for future newsletter articles after seeing some fascinating displays during my visit.

If you haven't visited the Ohio County Historical Society in a while, or if you've never been, I encourage you to stop by. It's one of Rising Sun's hidden gems and well worth spending an afternoon exploring. They're open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how much local history is waiting inside.

Ohio County Historical Society
212 S. Walnut Street
Rising Sun, Indiana
(812) 438-4915

(July 28– August 3, 2026)

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:30 AM – Tai Chi with Rosie
• 1:00 PM – Relaxing with Watercolor

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga
• 11:00 AM – Adult Craft
• 1:00 PM – Learn to Crochet

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga

3:00 PM – APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCCF Annual Celebration Grant

Dumpster Day
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (or until full)
City of Rising Sun.

🎵 Pavilion Entertainment Live at Rising Star Casino
Vigor
Saturday, August 1 • 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Vigor is a talented duo that creates the sound of a full band while performing everything from Classic Rock and Pop to Country, Smooth Jazz, Standards, and high-energy dance favorites. They also enjoy taking audience requests.

📚 Ohio County Public Library
🚶 Walking Club — 9:00 AM
🧘 Chair Yoga — 9:30 AM

🏛️ Main Street Meeting — 12:00 PM
📍 Main St. Office

📢 Community Announcements

🎓 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Applications Now Available
The Ohio County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Eligible Rising Sun High School seniors planning to attend an Indiana college or university should be sure to apply by Friday, August 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. See the announcement below for eligibility requirements and application details.

If you know of an event or community story, hit reply — I’d love to hear it!

Thank you for supporting the Rising Sun Newsletter.
If this newsletter helped you stay connected this week, please forward it to a neighbor or friend — that’s how our community grows.

See you next week,
Peggy