Southeastern Indiana Veteran’s Memorial Opens Saturday in Rising Sun

A formal dedication and ribbon cutting is scheduled to start at noon.

Photo provided.

(Rising Sun, Ind.) - The new Southeastern Indiana Veteran’s Museum is opening to the public on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at noon. A formal dedication and ribbon cutting takes place at the museum, located inside the former Rising Sun 1916 Carnegie Library at 100 N. High Street.

The museum is filled with military uniforms, memorabilia, documents, and information on Southeastern Indiana’s military heroes and veterans.

According to Tammy Elbright, Ohio County (IN) Council President and museum volunteer, over the past 10 years the historic library has housed the military collection of PG Gentrup, a local veteran.

When the County took over the building, they not only decided to let Gentrup’s collection remain, but obtained grants and donations to update and repair the building. The goal was to expand on Gentrup’s efforts and turn the location into an attraction dedicated to military veterans of Southeast Indiana.

Elbright is especially proud that the renovations remained local, utilizing all Ohio County-based contractors.

“This is a great asset to our community because we have a lack of knowledge with our American veteran’s history. The museum will mean something different to everyone,” said Gentrup.

With all branches of the military highlighted, both Gentrup and Elbright hope the Museum will be utilized to educate locals, tourists, and especially youths about the military and area veterans who served their country. Guided group tours are available.

After the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting on Sept. 17, the museum will be open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Working with the Ohio County Historical Museum—also located in Rising Sun--a local volunteer will begin cataloging all the items in the new facility. This will permit the Veteran’s Museum to be open additional hours for a limited time.

There is no admission fee to the Southeastern Indiana Veteran’s Museum but donations are appreciated.

The building also houses the office of the Ohio County Soil and Water Conservation District.

For more information, contact Tammy Elbright at (812) 584-2312.

For information on lodging, eateries, tourist attractions, and county events, contact the Visitors Center at (888) 776-4786. Additional information is available on enjoyrisingsun.com or by emailing Kendal Miller, executive director, at kendal@enjoyrisingsun.com. Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism can be found on Facebook.