Community Spotlight: Lawrence County Museum of History
If you’ve already watched through every TV show and movie on your streaming platform of choice, then you’re probably eager to get out of the house and try something new this weekend. Why not learn a little more about local history with a visit to the Lawrence County Museum of History?
We’ve made them our Community Spotlight this month because they’re a community staple that provides a wealth of information about the humble town of Bedford, IN, and the history of Lawrence County.
Give them a virtual visit on Facebook. If you want to see the exhibits in-person, then stop by!
About the Museum
You can tell that the Lawrence County Museum of History is historical just by looking at it. It’s located in the 112-year-old Hamer-Smith building in downtown Bedford. Built in 1908, this building has been the home to many important Lawrence County businesses, including a furniture store, a funeral home, a doctor’s office, a fruit store, a beauty shop, a watch and jewelry repair shop, and, as of 2005, a museum and library.
Step inside the Hamer-Smith building and step back in time as you browse the exhibits and collections on Lawrence County military history, antique clothing, school history, and more. Current collections at the museum include:
- U.S. Presidents
- Presidential First Ladies
- At the World’s Fair
- American Red Cross Driving Tour Site
- Fabulous Dollhouses
The Edward L. Hutton Research Library
Of course, you’re a part of the history of Lawrence County, too. That’s why the museum includes a library on the second floor where you can research your family history. The librarian is available to help you, so go ahead and put her sleuthing skills to the test to help you learn more about your local family’s history.
The library is 2,100 square feet of wall-to-wall books and filing cabinets full of history and genealogy information. They also have an extensive map collection, Lawrence County school yearbooks, photograph collections, and a room with microfilm of Bedford and Mitchell newspapers dating back to the 1830s.
If you want a quiet place to rest and research, hang out in the Larry King Reading Room. Here, you can even view one of the available videos to learn a little more while you relax.
Visit the Lawrence County Museum of History
If you want to learn more about the history of Lawrence County, stop by the Lawrence County Museum of History. You can visit solo, with friends, or attend one of the museum’s group tours. Contact them to find out when, and if, group tours are being led at this time. Have a great time, and be sure to visit the gift shop on your way out!
| Monday | 8:30AM - 8:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30AM - 8:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30AM - 8:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:30AM - 8:00PM |
| Friday | 8:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |