Sheridan Historical Society

The White County Historical Society is a self-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of White County, Indiana. Located in the historic Monticello Carnegie Public Library, the society curates a collection of significant historical artifacts and offers various programs and events to engage the community. In addition to displaying their collection, the society actively supports family history research through the White County Genealogy Society, showcasing a commitment to connect past and future generations. The organization welcomes contributions and involvement from the public, emphasizing the importance of community participation in the preservation of local heritage. Generated from the website

SHAK Makerspace, located in Kokomo, Indiana, is a vibrant community hub for Makers, Tinkerers, and Builders, fostering a hands-on learning environment that embraces new hardware and software technologies. By collaborating with educators and community leaders, SHAK aims to empower individuals of all ages to creatively engage with their surroundings, transforming the way they interact with the physical world. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focuses on cultivating skills in digital design and fabrication, allowing participants to realize projects that were previously beyond reach. Through workshops, classes, and community events, SHAK provides invaluable opportunities for personal and collective growth in the making realm. Generated from the website

Indianapolis-area firefighters have responded to emergencies great and small for more than 150 years. One way to see how far firefighting has evolved is to visit the Indianapolis Fire Museum. Housed in the old No. 2 Fire Station, a building inspired by Italianate architecture, the station was erected in 1872 and used until 1933. The museum doubles as the firefighters union's headquarters and the Survive Alive safety program for children.Best and Worst Times to Go to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumApproximately 10,000 people tour the museum each year, so it's not very crowded unless there's a safety program going on. The museum's hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays April through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Must See/Do at Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumNo visit to Indianapolis is complete without learning the history of the 1963 Coliseum Explosion, in which 74 spectators were killed and nearly 400 injured by a propane explosion during an ice skating expo. Another must see is Pumper No. 15, a Stutz truck that pumped 600 gallons of water a minute and was used from 1919 to 1971--by comparison, today's trucks pump 2500 gallons of water per minute. Also worth seeing is an exhibit dedicated to African-American firefighters, who were first hired in 1876 and integrated in 1960. The IFD's first black fire chief was appointed in 1987, and the current fire chief is black. Fifteen percent of IFD firefighters are black.Admission to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumAdmission is free.Parking and Public Transportation to Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumThere is a parking lot just off St. Clair Street. IndyGo's route 17 passes the museum as well.Food at Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumThere are no food options at the museum, but there are several independent restaurants within walking distance. Yats is a must for Cajun fans and has been voted "Best Restaurant to Eat At If You're Buying" by Nuvo readers. Chatham Tap Restaurant and Pub is an excellent English-themed soccer bar--try the fish and chips. Mesh on Mass Ave has an excellent $2 bar menu.Insider Tip for Indianapolis Firefighters MuseumEarly firefighters were nicknamed "smoke eaters" because they considered the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) unreliable and didn't wear them. This was the trend until the Scott 2.2 model was introduced. A modern-day firefighter wouldn't even consider going without a SCBA, but even with this innovation cancer, heart, and lung disease remain the leading cause of death for firefighters.Author's bio: Becky Oberg is a professional writer who has left Indianapolis three times, only to return each time. Her hobbies include acting, writing, reading, singing, and playing video games.