Carmel Clay Historical Society’s new museum opens Sunday for the public

Carmel’s spectacular new community history museum opens this weekend following years of planning, fundraising and construction. Believed to be the largest such museum in the state for a city the size of Carmel, it was largely funded by Clay Township’s Community Impact program.

The City of Carmel and the Carmel Clay Historical Society also contributed considerable resources. The three-story building will be operated by, and serve as the home of, the historical society. It is located at the corner of First Street SW and the Monon Trail.

Sunday at 1 p.m., the public will see the interior during an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony, according to historical society director Debbie Gangstad. She said Matt Snyder, who headed the Community Impact project, will offer brief remarks at the ribbon cutting. Light refreshments will be served.

Rendering provided by Carmel Clay Historical Society

Starting next week, the museum will be open on a regular schedule Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The building has exhibit space, a public meeting room, an archives area, offices, and a roof garden that overlooks the Monon.

The museum collection includes numerous artifacts, photos, textiles, and printed materials that trace Carmel’s 187-year history from pioneer times to present-day events. A special section is devoted to youngsters in order to encourage their interest in history.

The 140-year old Monon railroad depot, attached to the museum, is being renovated, and will have a railroading theme.