Museum

The Hart County Historical Society Museum is housed in the historic 1893 Chapline Building at 109 Main Street in downtown Munfordville. Originally built by Joseph B. Chapline as a general mercantile, the structure was constructed using bricks salvaged from Hart County’s first courthouse, which was torn down to make way for a more modern building. The bricks, believed to have been made from native clay and fired nearby in 1819, were recycled by Mr. Chapline and still cover the building today. 
Its distinctive Mesker front always draws attention. Over the years, the Chapline Building has served a variety of purposes, including a barber shop, bakery, telephone exchange, doctor’s office, congressional office, dry goods store, the Hart County News printing office, and more.
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Simon Bolivar Buckner
Visitors from across the country come to view the museum’s Civil War exhibits, including the General Simon Bolivar Buckner Room and a wide range of Buckner family artifacts. The Buckner home, known as Glen Lily, was started in 1823. General Buckner was born and also died there, in the same bed that is now featured in the exhibit.

A detailed replica of the Glen Lily house, created by Susan Lafferty, is also on display at the museum.

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The museum features exhibits spanning from prehistory to the mid-20th century, offering something for everyone.

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Our Staff

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