Living Seasonally, Then & Now
Living Seasonally, Then & Now- Discover how our forefathers & foremothers lived & how we can incorporate those practices now. Register for this event at: Register here!
The Carmel Clay Historical Society (CCHS) was formed in 1975 by a group of local residents as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration and dedicated the study of Carmel and Clay Township’s history. That same year the City of Carmel gave the historic 1883 Monon Railroad Depot to the society, which it maintains today as a museum of local history.
2024 marks another significant milestone; the grand opening of the Carmel Clay History Museum – a community resource dedicated not only to preserving our community’s history, but also a welcoming environment where everyone can connect with the stories that shape Carmel.
We will be closed Sunday, May 24th. We will reopen Wednesday, May 27th.
Children, Write a Letter for the 2076 Time Capsule!
History is happening, and your child can be a part of it! To celebrate City of Carmel’s 50th Anniversary and America’s 250th Birthday, we are locking away a community time capsule to be opened in exactly 50 years.
For just $5, your child can get an official Time Capsule Letter Blank. They can write a message, make predictions for the future, and sign their name into local history.
Imagine the look on the faces of Carmel citizens in 2076 when they read words written by our kids today!
Where to buy: Carmel Clay History Front Desk now through July 3rd or until sold out.
Cost: $5 per letter (All proceeds benefit Carmel Clay History Museum)
*Limited spots available – purchase your letter today before they sell out.

Living Seasonally, Then & Now- Discover how our forefathers & foremothers lived & how we can incorporate those practices now. Register for this event at: Register here!
Space is limited—reserve your spot today! This program is free, with all supplies provided, thanks to a generous grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. Register here!
In commemoration of America’s 250th and the City of Carmel’s 50th anniversaries, the Carmel Clay History Museum commissioned a local woodworker to construct a time capsule, the design of which was inspired by artifacts from our collection as well as architectural features of the museum building. The time capsule’s contents
Come hear these amazing ladies’ stories and how they relate to the founding of America. Mary Katharine Goddard was a pioneering printer, publisher, and postmaster whose courage and determination helped shape the voice of the American Revolution. Best known for printing the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence
In the 1800s, recipe books were often called receipt books. However, receipt books could also contain medicinal notes and home remedies. Please join us in creating some 18th century recipes within twine bound parchment. Register here!
Our collection currently contains more than 250,000 photos of Carmel history.