Carmel Clay History Museum

06/03/2026

Join us on June 13 for the opening of two new exhibits celebrating America’s 250th and the City of Carmel’s 50th anniversaries. We will dedicate a time capsule with a brief ceremony starting at noon. The time capsule will contain letter written by city officials and community members to future residents. This is your chance to see the letters before they are sealed up until 2076, when the capsule will be opened in celebration of the country's 300th and the city's 100th anniversaries. Read the article in the Current in Carmel to learn more!

This month, letters from community leaders and area children will be sealed in a time capsule that won’t be opened again for 50 years. Members of the public will have an opportunity to view the letters during a dedication ceremony set for noon June 13 at the Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 1st. St...

05/29/2026

Join us on Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM for our Heritage Craft Program: Whirligigs & Corn Husk Dolls.

Kids and families will get hands-on experience making two classic historic crafts to take home:
✨ Corn Husk Dolls: A traditional, beautifully crafted folk art made from natural materials.
✨ Whirligigs: A spinning mechanical toy that has brought joy to generations!

This program is FREE and all supplies are provided, thanks to a generous grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. 🎨

⚠️ Space is limited—reserve your spot today! Don't miss out on this fun, creative look at early American life.

🎟️ Register here: carmelclayhistory.org

05/28/2026

🇺🇸 Countdown to America 250! 🇺🇸

How did early Americans survive and thrive before modern conveniences? No grocery stores, no refrigerators, and no central heating—just deep connection to the land and seasons.

Join us on June 4th at 4:00pm as we kick off our America 250 celebration series with our first event: "The Art of Living Seasonally." 🌿☀️

Jen Tousey will take us on a journey back in time to explore the fascinating, resourceful daily lives of the "fore-folk." Discover how our forefathers and foremothers adapted their lifestyles to nature's calendar, and learn practical seasonal wisdom you can apply to your own life today!

📍 Where: Carmel Clay History Museum
🗓️ When: June 4th at 4pm
🎟️ Admission: This event is free and open to the public but advanced registration is requested at carmelclayhistory.org

Bring the family and help us celebrate 250 years of American history and resilience. See you there!

05/22/2026

We will be closed this Sunday, May 24 in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and meaningful weekend.

05/20/2026

Buy a Ticket to 2076: Carmel Community Time Capsule

History is happening, and your child can be a part of it! To celebrate City of Carmel’s 50th Anniversary and America’s 250th Birthday, we are locking away a community time capsule to be opened in exactly 50 years.

For just $5, your child can get an official Time Capsule Letter Blank. They can write a message, make predictions for the future, and sign their name into local history.

Imagine the look on the faces of Carmel citizens in 2076 when they read words written by our kids today!

Where to buy: Carmel Clay History Front Desk now through July 3rd.

Cost: $5 per letter (All proceeds benefit Carmel Clay History Museum)

*Limited number available- purchase your letter today before they sell out!*

05/06/2026

Our newest display in the Families of Carmel display case features the Gary and Jackie Runyon Family. Gary’s parents, Jack and Mildred Runyon, moved to Carmel in the mid-1950s and started a tool renting company out of his garage. That business grew to become Jack’s Tool Rental and later Runyon Tool Rental, which the family operated for more than seventy years. We invite you to learn about the family’s businesses and their love of motorsports at the Gary and Jackie Runyon Family Exhibit.

05/05/2026

We stepped back in time at the Carmel Clay History Museum as Danny Russel brought the story of Abraham Lincoln to life with stunning authenticity. From his humble Indiana roots to the weight of the presidency, we felt the true spirit of "Honest Abe."

Thank you to our community for filling the room and to Danny Russel for such a moving performance!

04/22/2026

Step Back in Time with Abraham Lincoln

Date: April 30th Time: 4:30 PM

Location: Carmel Clay History Museum

From the dirt floors of an Indiana log cabin to the halls of the White House, experience the hilarity, heartbreak, and humanity of Abraham Lincoln.

Join us for a powerful live presentation as Mr. Lincoln recounts his journey from a self-taught prairie lawyer to the leader who steered America through its darkest hour. Witness the triumphs and tragedies that shaped a legend.

This event is free and open to the public but advance registration is requested. Please use link below to register.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084AACAF22A3F49-63056259-step

04/18/2026

What an incredible night! ⛳️

We are still buzzing from our evening with the legendary Doc O’Neal. It was truly a "packed house" as friends, family, and golf enthusiasts gathered to hear from one of the best!

Doc took us on a journey through his storied career, and it was an absolute privilege to hear those firsthand accounts.

It was a masterclass in passion, dedication, and community. We are so honored that Doc shared his time and memories with us.