indiana

The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza was originally built to honor the veterans of World War I. The five-city-block plaza was conceived in 1919 as a location for the national headquarters of the American Legion and a memorial to the state's and nation's veterans. At the north end of the plaza is the American Legion Mall, which is the site of the administration buildings of the Legion, as well as a memorial cenotaph. South of that is the Veterans Memorial Plaza with its obelisk. Combined, it is the largest war memorial project in the United States.

The centerpiece of the plaza is the Indiana World War Memorial, modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which contains "the Altar of the Flag" in the Shrine Room. There is also a military museum and an auditorium. At the south end is University Park, the oldest part of the plaza, filled with statues and a fountain. On October 11, 1994, the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza was designated a National Historic Landmark District. 

The Jefferson County Historical Society is housed within the History Center campus at the corner of First and Mill Streets. Within the main building, the vintage railroad station and the caboose, there is more than 10,000 square feet under roof. Included in that is an excellent museum, a library with storage for archival material, storage for artifacts, a 1,600 square foot room available for meetings, social events and educational programs, a kitchenette, space for the Southern Indiana Folk School, a small museum store and office space for staff.  It is a thriving organization in a well-run facility with a myriad of programs for both students and adults.  However, it was not always that way.  The society, throughout its long history, has had its fits and starts and has moved to and from a variety of locations before finally establishing itself as a significant organization for preserving local history and educating the public about the heritage of Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Historical Society has multiple World War I exhibits out on display and plans to showcase additional artifacts throughout the World War I Centennial celebration!