Our Mission
The Ripley County Historical Society is committed to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Ripley County, Indiana, and to sharing the county’s rich heritage through exhibits, publications and programs.
Visit Us
Three historic places in Versailles
Our library, museum and pioneer log cabin are all within a short walk of the courthouse square.
Library & Archives
Housed in the historic Versailles Bank building, the library holds the county’s largest collection of genealogy and local history resources.
- Address
- 125 South Washington Street
Versailles, IN 47042 - Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
1:00 – 4:00 PM - Phone
- (812) 689-3031
Museum
At the corner of Main and Water Streets, the museum displays artifacts and exhibits from across Ripley County. The building was given to the Society by G.A.R. Wheeler Post 98 as a memorial to Civil War veterans.
- Address
- 201 South Main Street
Versailles, IN 47042 - Hours
- By appointment and during special events. Call (812) 689-3031 to schedule a visit.
Smith-Engel Log Cabin
Built around 1830 by Jacob and Nancy Funkhouser in Laughery Township, the cabin later took the names of other families who lived there. The Wehr family gave it to the Society, and in 1979 it was taken down and rebuilt behind the museum.
- Location
- Behind the museum, 201 South Main Street
- Access
- Open during museum visits and special events
Leadership
Officers & Directors
The Society is run entirely by volunteers, with a director representing each of Ripley County’s eleven townships.
Township Directors
Newsletter Committee: Barbara Eades & Cheryl Welch · Web Master: Zach Menchhofer
Become a Member
Members use the library free of charge and receive the quarterly newsletter.
- Annual membership: $20 (renewals due each January)
- Life membership: $150
Mail dues to RCHS, P.O. Box 525, Versailles, IN 47042.
Volunteer With Us
We have no paid staff. If you can give three hours one afternoon a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 1–4 PM), we’d love your help. We are also looking for a director to represent Delaware Township.
Contact Cheryl Welch at (812) 689-3031.
Contact Us
Phone: (812) 689-3031
Email: rchslib@gmail.com
Mail: P.O. Box 525, Versailles, IN 47042
Research requests may be sent by email or mail. See our research request policy.
