The October issue of the Jay County Journal will be a week late because of the Heritage Festival.

The Jay County Journal is published monthly by the Jay County Historical Society, Inc.  It is available to our members monthly by U.S. mail or e-mail.  Single issues are available at the museum for $1.50 per copy.

You may contact the museum ...

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When Indiana celebrated its 200th birthday in 2016, each county was given a bison to decorate. After touring the county, Jay County’s bison found a permanent home in front of the Jay County Historical Museum.

The bison had faded from the sun and is being given a facelift this summer. Muralist and Jay County resident Marie McKinley painted the bison, ...

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Our Heritage Festival offers many educational opportunities for your students. Please encourage them to attend. Be sure to suggest your elementary students attend class in our one-room school inside the museum. Jodi McKee, a retired teacher, will be conducting classes there.

If you desire to give extra credit for attendance, signed slips will be available ...

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The Jay County Historical Museum and the museum grounds will be buzzing with activity on September 26 and 27. The 22nd Annual Heritage Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. We will be “Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S.A.”.

A variety of craft vendors will be selling their goods. Scottie Teegarden will have his tipi set up at the north ...

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Plan to spend some time each day sitting under the large dining tent to enjoy the festival’s musical entertainment. Thanks to Rob Weaver for securing these entertainers.

Back by popular demand again this year is professional singer Todd Berry. His first appearance will be at 12:00 on Saturday, doing his impersonation of ...

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Rendezvous on the Reservation is being held on September 18th, 19th and 20th in 4400 N 800E in Montpelier, Indiana 47359.

This event is a living history encampment depicting the fur trade era in the Indiana wilderness spanning the years 1760-1840. This gathering of settlers, natives, traders and trappers will be held on the Blackford County ...

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The theme for the Heritage Festival is “Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S.A.”. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Parking will be available close to the museum and at East Jay Elementary School. Golf carts will be provided to shuttle visitors back and forth from the ...

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There will NOT be a program meeting in August or September because of conflicts with the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show and the Heritage Festival. 

A piece of the “Big Blue Bridge” which was torn down and replaced about three years ago is on display. The bridge crosses State Highway 26 at the East edge of Portland.

A model of the 1916 Jay County Courthouse was built in 1996 by Portland resident Willard “Dutch” Miller. He spent over 300 hours and used 2745 pieces of wood to construct the ...

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The bright red “Only Jay in the USA” t-shirts have been selling well. An order for eight shirts was sent to California before Christmas. These shirts tell everyone that Jay County, which was named after the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Jay, is the only Jay County in the United States.

The shirts are available in crew or V-neck and ...

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