The Thorntown Heritage Museum and Sugar Creek Historical Society are hosting a fundraiser dinner May 2, 2026 celebrating Thorntown history. This dinner will help to raise additional funds to repair and renovate the Gillan Barn, the site of future exhibits and educational space for the museum.
The Gillan Barn was built in the 1920s and is over 100 years old. Many have stories to share of its use including as an auto shop for Thorntown High School students. In 2024, the Society received a grant to make safety repairs to the barn and officially expand the museum. During that project, it was discovered that the foundation to the barn had broken support beams, moisture and mold. Through the generosity of Community Foundation of Boone County, Thorntown Public Library, Home National Bank, Sugar Creek Historical Society members and the Thorntown/ Boone County community the Society has raised $35,000 to make the crucial repairs to the foundation and save the building.
“Without this barn, we are limited to how we can reach our community and preserve our local history,” said Museum Coordinator Kirsten Wamsley. “This additional space will make it possible to share more artifacts currently hidden from our visitors because of space and accessibility.”
The Past Builds the Future: Gillan Barn Fundraiser is May 2, 2026 at Thorntown Elementary School, 200 W Mill Street, Thorntown, IN 46071 from 4-7:30. Tickets are $40 for individuals and $400 for a business table of 8. Business tables will consist of brand advertising provided by the paying company, and donors will be acknowledged during evening speeches as a thank you for supporting our organization. Tickets are available at Thorntown Public Library and must be purchased by April 18. The evening will include a buffet-style catered dinner from Shoup’s Catering in Frankfort, Indiana, storytelling by former Thorntown attorney and resident David Cook, music by Sugar Creek Big Band, a silent auction and a Thorntown History exhibit.
To learn more about the Thorntown Heritage Museum or the Sugar Creek Historical Society’s mission please contact Kirsten Wamsley at 765-436-7348 ext. 202, kwamsley@thorntownpl.org or https://www.thorntownpl.org/about/heritagemuseum/.
