Who We Are
About DCHS
Delaware County Historical Society strives to be the county’s storyteller, sharing the compelling narrative of its history. We do this by presenting programs of local history interest; publishing a monthly digital newsletter that contains up-to-date news, short articles, and links to other articles and videos; and publishing a quarterly newsletter for members that contains longer articles and features on artifacts and images.
To achieve our goal, we partner with a number of other area organizations, such as Muncie Public Library, Ball State University Libraries, Minnetrista, and the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Delaware County History Society is to provide research-driven, historically accurate, inclusive, and compelling content about the history of the people, places, and events of Delaware County.
Meet the Team
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Zac Bow
President
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Allen Wiseley
Vice President
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Robbie Mehling
Secretary
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Maria VanVreede
Treasurer
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Mary K Raggio
Board Member
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Chris Flook
Board Member
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Melissa Gentry
Board Member
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Karen Good
Board Member
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Robert Good
Board Member
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Alexis Robertson
Board Member
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Dorshele Stewart
Board Member
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Ted Shideler
Board Member
Our History
In December 1925, a meeting was held at the Muncie Chamber of Commerce building to organize a historical society that would be, according to the notice in the Muncie Evening Press, “open to all those who are interested in preservation of historical objects and perpetuation of the county history.” Once it was established, the historical society focused on the upcoming celebration of Delaware County’s centennial in 1927.
Since that big event, the historical society continued to save and share the county’s rich history. A few pieces of Delaware County history that have been saved include statues that once graced the third Delaware County courthouse; a coverlet woven by Samuel Graham, resident of Yorktown; Emily Kimbrough’s original book manuscripts; the ballot box from Muncie’s first mayoral election in 1865; and architect Cuno Kibele’s coffee cup, all of which have a story to tell.
For almost 100 years, the historical society has sponsored a variety of activities, including erecting historical markers, collecting artifacts, and, most importantly, telling the stories of Delaware County and the people, places, and events that formed our character. DCHS plans to continue to strengthen community and ignite imagination through the power of storytelling.
Stay Up to Date
Sign up to receive our digital newsletter to read stories about the history of Delaware County and to stay up to date on what’s happening in our organization.