PAOLI – The Orange County Historical Society held its regular May meeting at the Paoli Library, offering members insights into local history, updates on museum activities, and plans for future projects. The program, led by Society President Robert Henderson, focused on the life of Warren Brock, the first Orleans resident to be killed in action during World War I.
Warren Brock, a 1916 graduate of Orleans School, fought in numerous battles along the Western Front, including engagements against the forces of the Crown Prince. Tragically, he was killed at the age of 22 in an explosion at Soissons, France, on July 19th. His body was later returned to Orleans for burial, and the Orleans American Legion Post #69 is named in his honor.
In other society business, members learned about recent activities at the OC Historic Museum. The museum recently hosted Paoli 2nd Graders, who toured the facility to learn more about Orange County’s rich past. The museum is generally open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to support upkeep.
Several new exhibits have been added to the museum’s offerings. These include a historic pharmacy display, donated by Skip Landam, located upstairs in the period Doctor’s office, and a new ladies’ historic clothing display showcasing fashions from various decades. A new exhibit celebrating 175 years of the Orange County Courthouse is also currently in development.
The historic Thomas Elwood Lindley House is also set to offer tours by appointment this summer. The Society continues to accept donations for its “Barn Raising” campaign at the Lindley House. This fundraising effort, launched last year as part of the Lindley House Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration, aims to acquire a period-appropriate barn structure to better interpret the site as a mid-1850s farm home. Those interested in contributing or learning more about the project are encouraged to contact the Society for details.
The meeting also recognized Tori Patton as the winner of the “Best of Show” award, sponsored by the OCHS, for the recent “Night at the Museum” event held at Paoli High School.
President Henderson presented a proposal for a new virtual tour of the museum and the Lindley House. If pursued, this project would serve promotional and marketing purposes while also providing accessibility for visitors who are unable to access the upstairs areas of the buildings due to physical limitations.
Henderson also provided an update on Orange County’s America 250 activities. The county’s America 250 Kick-Off is scheduled for June 14th (Flag Day) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in historic Orleans. This event will mark the beginning of a year-long celebration culminating on July 4th, 2026, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Orange County Historical Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Paoli Library. A general business meeting precedes the regular meeting and program at 6 p.m. The next meeting is set for June 24th.
For more information on the Orange County Historical Society and its activities, interested individuals can contact Society President Robert F. Henderson at 812-653-1212, via email at info@historicorangecounty.org, or by visiting www.historicorangecounty.org. Information is also available on the Orange County Historical Society Facebook page.
