Art & History

COUNTY Art & History

Prairie Arts Council

There is a thriving and energetic arts community within Jasper County, led primarily by the Prairie Arts Council.

Established in 1993, the Prairie Arts Council is an arts program and service organization that serves Jasper and Newton counties.

The organization is headquartered in the historic Carnegie Center in Rensselaer where it maintains an offi ce and operates the Lilian Fendig Gallery

The Prairie Arts Council presents, sponsors, and supports programs that provide arts and cultures activities for the public as well as providing a forum and recourses for local artist in the performing and visual arts.

The Prairie Arts Council is a non-profi t corporation supported by its members, donations, events sponsorships, and grants form the Indiana Arts Commission and other arts support groups and foundations

Everyone is invited to become a Prairie Arts Counsel member and gain the satisfaction of supporting arts and cultural activities in the local area. Members do receive some benefi ts such as discount on purchases, classes, admissions and use of PAC resources.

Address: 301 N. Van Rensselaer St., Rensselaer, IN

Phone: 219-866-5278 email: pacrensselaer@gmail.com website: prairieartscouncil.net

Prairie Arts Board Members

Barb Michal, President Kelley Spurgeon, Vice President Brooke Kurtz, Secretary Shelly Leach, Treasurer Eleanor Black, PAC Offi ce Administrator

Jasper County Historical Society

The Jasper County Historical Society collect artifacts and catalogues historical information of Jasper County, The group maintains the Museum in Rensselaer that is open on the fi rst and third Saturdays each month or by appointment. The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday each month from September to June excluding January. The group’s current goal includes cataloging historical items online.

New members are always welcome to join the historical society. The annual dues for individuals are $15, family at $25 and lifetime membership is $150.

President Roger Buschman, Vice President Linda Buschman, Secretary Janett Kingman Treasurer Joan Lindstrom lead the group with the help of county genealogist Sue Caldwell and county historian Judy Kanne.

Check Facebook page for hours.

Address: 479 N Van Rensselaer St, Rensselaer In 47978

Email: jchmuseum@gmail.com

Phone: (219) 866-7825

Bowstring Bridge

Originally built in 1871 at one of two possible locations. Relocated to the Gangloff-Sayler Farm ca. 1916 and fi nally moved and restored in Potawatomi Park in 2012.

Left Relocated & Refurbished

Right Original before moving