Henry County Museum and Cultural Arts Center

About Us:

The Henry County Historical Society

The Henry County Historical Society was reorganized in June 1966 and was chartered at this time.
An earlier society was started in 1954, but was never chartered. Two hundred and four interested people joined forces to begin an investment of a wonderful society and museum that today has grown to a membership of over 645 people. One of the first curators said, There is no limit as to what a group can do, if no one cares who gets the credit and there are no ego needs. The hard work and dedication of these early members has left us the legacy of a strong foundation on which to continue to build.
 
National Register of Historic Places

In 1974, the old Anheuser-Busch building was purchased and refurbished to be the Henry County Museum and Cultural Arts Complex. Dedication was in July 1976 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in August 1991. In 1988, a gift was made of the joining building, now known as the Annex to the Museum, which houses our Art Exhibit and The Indoor Village.
 
DeLozier Building and Children's Corner

In 1990, the society acquired the property where our parking lot and the Homestead has been established. In the mid 1990 a gift was made of the old Henry County Bank building, now known as the DeLozier Building and Children's Corner. In 2002, neighboring property was purchased to extend the Homestead.
 
45th Anniversary & 35th Anniversary

Daniel Webster once said, "He who careth not from whence he cometh, careth little where he goeth". As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Historical Society and the 30th anniversary of the Museum in the Anheuser-Busch Building, we thank each who had the vision and those who followed through the years to create the strong Henry County Historical Society and Museum Complex of 2011.
 
Facility Rentals

The contribution the Henry County Historical Society has made to the community is immeasurable. The DeLozier Building, besides being a source of income, has given a beautiful place for receptions and other events. The Childrens Corner has hosted many plays and programs. The Homestead is a realistic look at history and a step back in time. The Annex with the Indoor Village has been the site of many memorial exhibits. The Anheuser-Busch Building, of course is the hub of the complex and home of many local artifacts.
 
Genealogy Library

Another asset of the Society is the Genealogy Library. Researchers from many states find the history of family member who were living in Henry County. People coming here searching for their roots originally wanted birth dates dash death dates. Now they are looking for the events that happened to their family members during the dash years.The foresight of a former president led to the establishment of the Perpetual Fund. This is another example of the concern and planning all the previous members had for the future of the museum. As a former president said, "Officials come and go, they are merely a link in the chain of growth and events". Our loyalties and efforts should always be toward a Society that cares. Our museum reflects that kind of loyalty and efforts.
 
Volunteers Make It All Possible

None of this would have happened without volunteers. Volunteers have literally moved buildings and made time stand still. The Henry County Historical Society and Museum are wonderful examples of what volunteers can do. People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons. Our volunteers have all gained from their experiences. As one member said, "The wonderful people I have met and the friends I have made in the Henry County Historical Society have been a valuable asset to my life".