The Ohio County Historical Society has partnered with the Switzerland County Historical Society to present a rural heritage tour of historic buildings in the two counties. In Ohio County the tour includes three barns and a church. In Switzerland County there are four barns, a school, and a church. Some of the barns are part of a working farm while others may still be used for storage. Three of the barns are part of future plans for interpretation sites

The tour was developed because our rural heritage is rapidly disappearing or simply being forgotten. Barns, farmhouse, one-room schools, churches, and fraternal organization buildings can easily be overlooked in our current-day mobile society. Residents move away and often take with them the knowledge of these buildings. Many of the buildings fall into disrepair and are lost to us. By conducting this tour we will enlighten local residents of some of the unique buildings that dot the countryside with the goal of inspiring others to take on a project of their own to save a building.

Some of the sites will include people to talk about the buildings or plans for the buildings. One stop will include an exhibit of antique farming equipment, and another site or two will feature a couple of artists painting a scene from site.

Cost of the tour is $8.00 a person and includes a map to the sites and a tour booklet. These can be purchased at either Historical Society.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.