ABOUT US & JOIN
OUR HISTORY
The Shelby County Historical Society, a 501c-3 Indiana not-for-profit corporation, operates the Louis H. and Lena Firn Grover Museum in Shelbyville, Ind.
The Society is headquartered at the Center and the Center serves as the focal point of local history. The Society uses the museum to obtain, preserve and exhibit historically significant artifacts. The Museum is the center of research and educational programs sponsored by the Society.
Keeping with its mission, the Center is open to the public free of charge but donations are encouraged.
The Shelby County Historical Society (SCHS) is founded via the Club of Clubs in commemoration of Shelby County’s Bicentennial.
SCHS holds the first-ever Blue River Valley Pioneer Craft Fair. This interactive fair immersed attendees in pioneer crafts and traditions.
After Lena Firn Grover bequest her farm to the Shelby County Historical Society, the Society was able to purchase the former Elks Lodge at 52 W. Broadway in 1979. Work began immediately and the museum opened in 1981. Its first exhibit examined the agricultural history of Shelby County.
SCHS finishes and opens “The Streets of Old Shelby.” Exhibit construction began in the 1980s and utilized the entire community and years of volunteer help to bring it to life.
After receiving a grant from the Blue River Community Foundation, SCHS was able to take the community’s feedback and undergo a re-branding. The organization relaunched as Grover Center Museum and Historical Society.
BECOME A MEMBER
Why?
Shelby County Historical Society, which owns and operates Grover Center is a group of residents who help sustain the society’s mission of, “…honoring the history of our county by celebrating our past, engaging the present, and inspiring the future.”
Members may enjoy a variety of discounted and free events hosted at various Shelby County Locations throughout the year. Events include but are not limited to Spring and Fall Dinner Meetings, Pour Yourself Into History, and more!
The Grover Center is governed by the Shelby County Historical Society which is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1922 and funded by membership dues, donations, endowments and fund-raising events. The events and the exhibits would not be possible without the community volunteers.
The Shelby County Historical Society has a thirteen-member board of directors who work together to manage income and investments and to help create programming.
The museum’s permanent exhibits include “The Streets of Old Shelby,” which is a life-size generic village of the 1900-1910 era anywhere in Shelby County, and “History of the Railroad in Shelby County,” which features a diorama with running model trains.
The Grover Center also has three rotating galleries that change displays several times a year.
OUR MISSION
Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society of Shelby County collaborates within our communities to honor the history of the county by celebrating its past, engaging in the present, and inspiring the future.
WHAT WE DO
Preserve local history
Host free events
Community collaboration
ASK ABOUT OUR MEETING ROOM
The Grover Center has a large meeting room with many amenities for family, community, and business functions.
We can tailor our business and kitchen amenities to your event.
Tell us what your event is and we will help you with finessing the details.
Our central location, combined with our building’s rich heritage and a very reasonable room rental rate make the room ideal for many occasions.
Call for reservations 317-392-4634.