Progress Grant Received

The Fairland Historical Society is excited & honored to receive this grant supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by the Blue River Community Foundation!

Watch for exciting programs in 2025. And, be sure to follow our Facebook page for local history, photos, and event announcements.

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Train Wreck in Fairland, Nov 1961

On Sunday morning, 5 Nov 1961, Fairland residents were awakened by a 28-train car derailment in the heart of town. The 161-car freight train was en route from Indianapolis to Cincinnati on the New York Central line with 1 loaded & 160 empty cars. The journal box broke on the car that was loaded with steel scrap which led to the derailment. Newspapers across Indiana reported the story. No one was injured, but Bertha Hasler, age 80, was quoted with her description of the loud crash as some of the train cars landed 15 feet from her house. A tool shed & utility poles were smashed. A crew of 20 with 2 wreckers had the site cleared by Monday. We thank Richard "Dick" Thurston for photographing & documenting the scene and his family for sharing the photos! If you have photos of interest, please consider sharing them with the Fairland Historical Society.

2025 Events Announced by Fairland Historical Society

The Fairland Historical Society of Shelby County, Indiana announces events for 2025. Thanks to our partners who help to provide locations throughout the community. These events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation. March 5 , 7 p.m. Newspapers of the Late 1800s: Local News & Gossip Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, portrays Gabby as she reads the local newspapers from the late 1800s. What stories will she share? What have the locals been up to? Join us for an evening of fun & history as we kick off our 2025 events! This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted. Fairland Town Hall, 105 S Walnut St, Fairland April 9 , 5:30 p.m. Doors open, Tour museum; 6:30 p.m. Presentation Stories & Symbolism in Cemeteries Tour the Grover Center’s exhibit about Shelby County cemeteries. Then, Sarah Richardt, Grover Center Executive Director, will highlight the stories & symb...

Sep 16 - Fairland Cemetery Tour

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Fairland Historical Society hosted a Fairland Cemetery Historical Walking Tour at the Fairland Cemetery, 4430 N 400 W, Fairland, Indiana. Thanks to Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, for leading us on an interesting tour with lots of details about some fascinating former Fairland residents. The event was free with donations accepted. Events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation. Here are some of the individuals buried in the cemetery who were highlighted. (Click on the names for information shared via Find a Grave.) Ola & Ora Powers Sylvester Skillman Nancy Green Tomlinson Brown Hiram Ross Martha Bridgland Culbertson Joseph & Luvina Clark Plymate Joseph Carson Jeremiah , Dicy , & Isaac Odell Carrie Dake Fields Strong & Addison Fields W. C. E. Wanee

Fairland, Indiana History

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