PAOLI — The Orange County Historical Society held its regular monthly meeting on October 27 at the Paoli Library, featuring a presentation by Gary Spear on his recent Shenandoah Valley Heritage Tour alongside updates on several upcoming community events and holiday celebrations.
Society President Robert Henderson updated members on recent achievements and provided a roadmap for the group’s late-fall activities. Henderson highlighted the success of the recent “Living History Day” at the historic Thomas Elwood Lindley House, noting positive feedback from both visitors and participants.
The society’s museum in downtown Paoli continues to draw regional interest. Visitors in September hailed from communities across Indiana—including Salem, Hardinsburg, North Vernon, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, Martinsville, Washington, and Monroe City—as well as Louisville, Kentucky, Florida, and Missouri.
2026 Commemorative Christmas Ornament Unveiled
During the meeting, the society unveiled the artwork for its 2026 official Christmas ornament. Celebrating Orange County’s connection to the America 250 anniversary, this year’s collectible features a patriotic image of the Historic Orange County Courthouse. The design is based on a photo captured by Paoli resident Trevor Weston on the evening of July 4.
Ornaments are priced at $15 each, with all proceeds directly supporting the museum. A limited quantity of past issues—including the 2025 Orleans Monon Mural ornament and the 2024 Courthouse Clock Tower ornament—will be available for $5 while supplies last.
Upcoming Events & Holiday Schedule
- Museum Hours: The museum in Paoli remains open most Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through mid-November. Guided tours of the historic Thomas Elwood Lindley House remain available by appointment through late fall.
- Paoli Library Program: The Paoli Library will host a “Past, Present and Future” program on Tuesday, November 17.
- Holiday Open House at the Museum: Scheduled for Sunday, November 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Paoli Merchants Christmas Open House. The event features free admission and access to the “History Mart” for unique local gift ideas. November 22 will mark the museum’s final day of regular operations for 2026.
- Next Society Meeting: Tuesday, November 24, at 7:00 p.m. at the Paoli Library.
- Annual Christmas Dinner: Tuesday, December 1, at 6:00 p.m. at the Paoli Presbyterian Church.
- 1860s Christmas at the Farmhouse: Sunday, December 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the historic Lindley House. The home will feature period-appropriate holiday decorations, live parlor music, and light refreshments.
For additional information regarding the Orange County Historical Society or any of its programs, contact Society President Robert Henderson at 812-653-1212, email info@historicorangecounty.org, or visit historicorangecounty.org.
