How We Got Started
The Floyd County Historical Society was founded in 1916 to study the history of Floyd County, to collect and preserve artifacts, maps, papers, pictures and any other articles that describe or illustrate the social, religious, political or industrial progress of the County.
Our History
In 1916, we were founded as the Southern Indiana Historical Association. By 1923, the name was changed to the Floyd County Historical Society. By 1937, we were officially inactive. In 1950, we were reorganized and John Cody became the first president of the society. The yearly dues for members at this time was $.50 cents.
The Society Today
The Floyd County Historical Society today hosts meetings at 7PM on the fourth Tuesday of every month, excluding January, July and December. The meetings a free, open to the public, and are held in the Strasswege Auditorium of NAFC Public Library. Today, we have 80 members, and yearly dues are at $5.00.
We are responsible for the collecting a preserving of New Albany / Floyd County historical artifacts, and help facilitate and finance Indiana State historical markers (20 to date). We are currently working towards printing the 3rd grade history book, This is Our Community, for ALL Floyd County school-aged children.
The FCHS Padgett Museum opened in October, 2006; through the generous gift of the property from Jim and Beverly Padgett. It is housed in the National Register listed, ca. 1837, Wm. Young House, at 509 West Market Street in New Albany. The museum is open mid-May through mid-December every Saturday from 1 – 3 PM. It interprets the history of New Albany / Floyd County through the professionally-designed, permanent display entitled, By the River’s Edge. Each year, there is a different temporary exhibit. This year’s display is the George W. & Robert K. Parsons Collection.