historic sites

African Methodist Episcopal (AME)Church

The 1850 AME Church building, one of the oldest buildings of its kind in the U.S., commemorates Madison’s important Underground Railroad heritage. It is one of a rare group of nationally recognized, privately-owned, pre-Civil war buildings associated with the city’s early, free African-American community. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Tours available by advance appointment only. Admission: $3:00, Children free.

Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory

Visit America’s only restored 19th century saddletree factory. See antique powered machines spin into action. Demonstrations, tour and exhibits show how the Schroeder family made saddle frames, clothespins and other products. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open mid Apr-Oct: Sat and Sun 1pm-4:30pm, Mon 10am-4:30pm. Admission: Adults $3

Dr. William Hutchings Office

The late nineteenth century office and hospital of this horse-and-buggy doctor contains most of the original equipment and family furnishings.

Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 1:15 -4:30; Mon & Sat 10-4:30pm; Sun 1-4:30pm Admission: $3, Children Free

Francis Costigan House

CLOSED FOR RESTORATION

Built by Madison’s most prominent architect and master builder, Costigan for his family residence. A masterpiece in Greek Revival townhouse architecture, the design blends massive and complex architectural elements in a limited space. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open mid-Apr-Oct, Mon 10am-4:30pm, Sat and Sun 1pm-4:30pm. Admission: Adults $3.00, Children free.

Historic Eleutherian College (National Historic Landmark)

This majestic stone classroom and chapel building was completed in 1855. Est. in 1848, the college’s rich history includes association with the Underground Railroad, Neil’s Creek Anti-Slavery Society and the Civil War. This early American institution of higher learning was established on the principal of equal education to all, regardless of gender or race.

Pre-civil War site, educating all races and genders, established by abolitionists. A National designated Underground Railroad Site. National Historic Landmark.

Eleutherian & Lyman Hoyt Visitors Center open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Admission: $3.00

Jefferson County Historical Society

Museum features changing exhibits and artifacts of local history, including Civil War, Steamboating, Stone House and Victorian Parlor permanent exhibits. Research Library open on Wednesdays. Gift Shop.

Mon-Sat, 10am-4:30pm. Admission: $2.00, children free.

$2, children free.

Jefferson County Historical Society - Madison Railroad Station

Opened in 1895 and noted for its Octagonal Waiting Room surmounted by stained glass windows. Filled with artifacts and displays devoted to railroad history.

Open daily first weekend of May through end of Oct. Mon-Sat 10am-4: 30pm. Open weekdays only Nov through late Apr. Mon-Fri 10am-4: 30pm Admission: $2.00, children free.

$2, children free.

Jeremiah Sullivan House

Considered Madison’s first mansion, built in 1818, this stately federal structure was home to one of Madison’s most distinguished leaders. Sullivan and his family lived in the home for over seventy years. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 1:15 -4:30; Mon & Sat 10-4:30pm; Sun 1-4:30pm Admission: Adults $3.00, Children free.

Lanier Mansion (National Historic Landmark)

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, this 1844 Greek Revival mansion was designed by architect Francis Costigan for financier and railroad magnate James F.D. Lanier. Recent restoration made possible largely by funding from private sources - has recaptured the Mansions 19th century splendor.

Features 1844 Greek Revival home of James F.D. Lanier, gift shop, recreated formal gardens, public restrooms. The Mansion, referred to as the “crown jewel” of Madison’s Historic District, is a National Historic Landmark.

Open year round, program tours available at regular intervals between 9am & 4pm. Adults $4, seniors $3.50, children $2

Admission charged

Lanier Mansion Gardens

Formal Gardens to the South of the Mansion recreate the late-nineteenth century appearance of this section of the property, with authentic plant materials and other landscape features.

Open year-round dawn to dusk.

Lanier-Schofield House

Built circa 1816 in the Federal Style, this is believed to be the first two-story tavern house in Madison. Maintained by the Indiana Masonic Lodge.

Open Apr-Oct: Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 10am-4: 30pm, Sun 1pm-4pm, closed Tue & Wed. Special group arrangements can be made. Admission: Adults $3.00, Couple $5.00, Children free.