DCF Proactive Grant Helps Restore Historic Building in Lawrenceburg

The DCF is awarding 15 proactive grants this year.

DCF Board member Larry Campbell presents a $1,000 grant to Jenny Awad, President of the Dearborn County Historical Society, and Society Board member Sam Fulton, left. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Dearborn County Historical Society recently was awarded $1,000 proactive grant by the Dearborn Community Foundation to help fix a floor at the Vance-Tousey House in Lawrenceburg.

The grant was recommended by Foundation Board Member Larry Campbell as part of the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer Board members recommends a grant.

The money helped pay for complete restoration of the building’s second-floor’s floor at the historic house in Lawrenceburg, which is home to society members, and also is a public museum.

“The entire second floor is being restored to make useful workspace for research, and for the public’s use in the future,” said Society President Jenny Awad. “This is space that has never been used before. The entire job, including restored windows, sanded tables, and the complete overhaul is coming from grants and donations,” she said.

Awad said the Foundation understands that Dearborn Countians love their history. “We are grateful it has included us in its grant programs as we strive to make DCHS one of the best historical societies and county museums in the state,” she said.

Campbell said he learned of the Society’s ongoing efforts to improve its programs and services through his involvement in Lawrenceburg Kiwanis Club.

“The Historical Society is continually looking to improve the historic Vance-Tousey House, and obtaining historical records and artifacts important to our county,” he said.

Samuel C. Vance built the Federal style mansion in about 1818. The main hall is graced by a soaring circular staircase that reaches from the first floor to the attic.

At one time, there was a secret closet under the stairs, used by Vance to hide cash. Remnants of a huge kitchen reside in the basement. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

Anyone can contribute to an unrestricted DCF endowment to help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2024. For a list of unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit dearborncf.org. If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options. The Foundation marks its 26th year of helping donors improve the quality of life in Dearborn County