The former Scott County Home, also known locally as the Poor Farm, served its initial purpose until 1973, when it was converted exclusively into an annex of county offices. The county used the building until 1996, then gave it to the Scott County Community Foundation soon after. Preservation Alliance, Inc. (PAI) accepted the building from the Community Foundation and began the process of converting the building into a county museum. PAI has a track record of successes including successful preservation efforts with the Heritage Station (the old Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad Train Depot, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990); the Austin Train Depot (the old Penn Central Train Depot); the Scott County Courthouse; and the former Scott County Home (listed in the National Register in 2000).

Sign from when the Museum was used as an Annex of the Court House

The Scott County Heritage Center and Museum opened in the former Scott County Home in April, 2003. The first floor and exterior rehabilitation were completed through a Community Focus Fund grant, which was obtained by the Scott County Commissioners. The project created a room for events, a display room, a gift shop, a kitchen, storage room, a director’s office (currently occupied by the Scott County Genealogical Society) and restrooms. A USDA Rural Development loan was secured in 2007 for the purpose of completing the interior rehabilitation and making improvements to the grounds. Construction on this second phase Should be completed in early 2009.

2010 PAI Board of Directors

Lynn Lamb, President

Janet Payne, Vice President

Marty Randall, Secretary

Anita Walker, Treasurer

Eddie Cozart

Sue Jones

Andrew Rowden

Ruby Wakeman