Sunday, December 17, 2023
Silver Hills Historical Collection
2023 Annual Holiday Open House
1505 Adams Street
No Need To RSVP
Please Stop By Anytime Between 6PM to 9PM
For more information, please visit the New! Silver Hills Museum web site at https://silverhillsmuseum.org/.
Previous Events
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Silver Hills Historical Society
Annual Meeting & Historical Presentation
Parnell Center
Silver Heights Camp Grounds
Silver Hills
The Silver Hills Historical Society will present their annual membership meeting dinner and historical presentation.
Sunday evening
October 15, 2023
5:30 to 8:00 PM
Dinner served at 6:30 followed by the Society annual membership meeting
and historical presentation featuring:
Greg Sekula, Director
Indiana Landmarks
How to identify and document a historical landmark,
how the landmark is preserved, and why it is important to save our
community heritage.
For more information, contact us at Silver.Hills@twc.com or call us at
502-494-0840
Saturday, June 24, 2023
The Silver Hills Historical Society
will host a home tour & reception
Woodbine 1920
Anders Rasmussen Country Estate
1800 Old Vincennes Road
New Albany, IN
Christmas Open House
Saturday Evening
December 17, 2022
6:00 PM – 9:00 pm
Home of The Silver Hills Historical Collection
1505 Adams Street
Silver Hills
New Albany, IN
Silver Hills Historical Society
Fall Event
Sunday Evening
November 6, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Silver Heights Camp
Parnell Center
502 Camp Ave, Silver Hills
The Silver Hills Historical Society is celebrating their 10th year anniversary at the fall dinner event scheduled Sunday evening, November 6, 2022. The event will be held in the Parnell Center at the Silver Heights Camp Ground at 501 Camp Avenue, Silver Hills. The doors open at 5:30. Dinner will be served at 6:30, followed by the annual Society membership meeting. Our featured presentation will be about Sherman Mintion, presented by Linda G. Gugin and James E. St. Clair, authors of the book, Sherman Minton, New Deal Senator, Cold War Justice.
Silver Hills Tennis Court
Grand Opening
Dedication Ceremony
Saturday Evening
July 9, 2022
There will be grand opening celebration of the Silver Hills Tennis Court Saturday evening, July 9, 2022. Minna and Clarence Benjamin, carrying on the tradition of tennis established on Silver Hills In 1906, first built the tennis court in the early 1970s. The court was fully restored for the community of Silver Hills adding pickleball and a basketball goal. The celebration will begin at 5:30 PM with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:15. The event will be catered. Music will be provided by the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Band. At 9:30 there will be a short fireworks display closing the ceremony. Everyone is welcome to join together for this historic event.
2nd Annual Jean Caesar Pitch-In Dinner
Sunday Evening
April 24, 2022
5:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Silver Heights Parnell Center
1501 Camp Avenue
New Albany, IN
Family, friends, and guests are all welcome. Bring your favorite dish, and join us for an evening of neighborly good cheer. Meat & beverages will be provided.
2021 Fall Dinner Event
Sunday, October 3, 2021
5:30 – 8:30
Silver Heights Parnell Center
1501 Camp Avenue
New Albany, IN
Feature Presentation
History of The Sport of Tennis On
Silver Hills from 1906 to The Present
Silver Hills ushered in the sport of tennis into New Albany in 1906, when two tennis courts were constructed on Silver Hills at the Highland Country Club, founded in 1906. From 1906 to the present, 12 tennis courts have been built on Silver Hills. Two of which survive today but currently are not playable. That is about to change. Come join us for the event. Please R.S.V.P. at SilverHills@twc.com, or contact Kelly Carnighan @ 502-494-0840.
Home of The Silver Hills Historical Collection
Open House & Silver Hills Historical Society
Members Reception
Saturday, June 15, 2019
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Members Reception
5:00 – 8:00 PM
1505 Adams Street
Silver Hills
The Silver Hills Historical Society proudly present the Home of The Silver Hills Historical Collection. The renovation of the 1959 home and installation of historic displays has been a labor of love. Come join is in celebrating the history of Silver Hills.
The home will be open to the general public from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
There will be private reception for Silver Hills Historical Society members from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. (If you are not a member and wish to join us for the evening reception there is a $25 charge, which entitles you to a one-year membership in the Society. You can register and pay at the door the evening of the event.)
A fully restored heirloom baby Steinway piano purchased by Samuel and Britty Elsby of Silver Hills in 1918 will be our feature entertainment. Gabe Evans, Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano will have of the honor of playing the Steinway for us at the evening reception.
The Buffalo Trace
By David Ruckman
October 20, 2019
5:30 – 8:00 PM
Silver Heights
Parnell Center
501 Camp Avenue
Silver Hills
The Silver Hills Historical Society will host a dinner followed by a presentation about the Buffalo Trace through southern Indiana and where it crossed Falling Run Creek near Silver Hills. Our keynote speaker will be David Ruckman of New Albany. David, a surveyor by profession, retraced and documented the path of the buffalo as they migrated east through southern Indiana. His presentation will include a video illustrating and mapping the trail. David and his close friend were instrumental in establishing Summit Springs’ buffalo art park located on a bluff above State Street in New Albany.
Come join us for an evening of bison burgers and all the trimmings, and enjoy a wonderful presentation about these prehistoric looking animals, the buffalo.
For more information about either event, please contact the Silver Hills Historical Society by email – Silver.Hills@twc.com or call 502-494-0840.
Silver Height Camp
Ohio Falls Holiness Association
Founded in 1888
October 21, 2018
The Silver Hill Historical Society will celebrate the 130-year anniversary of the founding of the Silver Heights Camp on Silver Hills. James Harvey Conner of New Albany established the camp with several other men in 1888. The Society will host a formal dinner and event from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. The event will begin with a short service in the Silver Heights tabernacle followed by a formal dinner in the Parnell Center, an historical presentation, and the unveiling of an historical marker recognizing the Silver Heights Camp for its contribution to the community. The dinner event will be with ticket or by invitation. Tickets will be $25 each. Purchasing a ticket will entitle you to membership in the Society for one year. Tickets can be purchased at the Farmer’s Market or though our website (coming soon) by clicking on the link Become A Member. For more information, contact Kelly Carnighan @ 502-494-0840.
Crestview Historical Event
June 23, 2018
The house will be open to the public for tour from 2:00 to 4:30 PM with ticket. Tickets will be $10 each and can be purchased at the Farmer’s Market in New Albany, online (see below) or by contacting the Society at 502-494-0840.
Crestview was established in 1946 by Frank deVilla, Tilford Orbeson and Wallace Rutherford. The three men were neighbors on Riddle Road, Silver Hills. Frank was a builder, Tilford was a lawyer and Wallace was a realtor, the right combination of professionals to develop Crestview. The Society will host an historical event documenting the history of Crestview Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the home of Frances and Rick Bedan, formerly the home of Miriam and James Thornton ca. 1956 at 1602 Crestview Drive.
Following the afternoon house tour, the Silver Hills Historical Society will host a member’s reception from 6:00 to 8:30. The evening event will feature music by the Jamie Aebersold Band, hors’ d’oeuvres and refreshments by Lilly’s of Louisville, historical displays of recent acquired photographs of the Von Borries Villa and an historical presentation. If you are not a member and wish to join the Society and participate in the evening celebration, contact Kelly Carnighan @ 502-494-0840 or you can join by clicking on Become A Member above.
Col. Thomas G. Morrison
The Great Eclipse of 1869
Sunday Evening, October 22, 2017 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Silver Heights Camp Grounds
Parnell Center, 501 Camp Avenue, Silver Hills
Dinner Provided by Zoup of Louisville
On August 21, 2017, there will be a full solar eclipse visible throughout the United States. Although the darkest path of the eclipse will pass through central Kentucky, 90% of the eclipse will impact southern Indiana.
On August 6, 1869, a full solar eclipse directly covering southern Indiana. Col. Morrison offered the use of his property on Caney Knob (Silver Hills) to experts in the field of astronomy to scientifically observe The Great Eclipse of 1869.
There will be an historical presentation about Col. Morrison and a keynote speaker in the field of astronomy.
Saturday
June 3, 2017
Open to the public from 2:00 to 4:30 PM
Ridgeway Avenue, Silver Hills
Come join us in celebrating the history of Ridgeway Avenue ca. 1891. Tour the historic Strunk house ca. 1897, stroll the Avenue and view historic photographs, take a carriage ride, and enjoy light refreshments. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun on Silver Hills.
There will be a private reception for Historical Society members from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 1310 Ridgeway, featuring the Jamie Aebersold Jazz Band, hor d’heorvres, wine and beer. If you are not a member and wish to come to the reception, click on Become A Member on our website and join for $25, or, you can fill out a registration card at the door.
The Elsby Centennial Celebration
Historical Presentation and Catered Dinner
October 23, 2016
5:30 to 8:00 P.M.
Silver Heights Parnell Center
Silver Hills
Samuel Joseph Elbsy was a resident of Silver Hills from 1918 until his death in 1937. He was amen likened to the well-known Washington C. DePauw of New Albany. Samuel was described as a man who was clever, sympathetic for human need, and a great citizen. Everyone knew him as kind, lovable, sincere, honest, true and patriotic. In business he was respected as an outstanding executive, ideal of service, who provided financial working capital to institutions, built and operated factories, and provided funds to build homes, clubhouses, and office buildings. He was known for his tireless effort to improve life for his fellow citizens and community. His business achievements began with the opening of a general store. By the time of his death he had been elected Circuit Court Clerk, became a certified pharmacist, bought a pharmacy, bought a canning company, and a furniture company, founded local dairy company and held stocks in numerous other local ventures. He founded five banks, reorganized a sixth and chaired the stockholder’s meeting of a seventh. His crowning achievement was building New Albany’s iconic Elsby building.
The evening event will begin with a catered dinner by the Silver Hills Historical Society followed by the Elsby presentation.
The Elsby Centennial Celebration
Building Tour and Grand Celebration
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Building Tour 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
A grand celebration at The Grand,
New Albany 7:00 to 10:00 P.M.
Tickets are $35 per person
Joseph & Joseph Architects of Louisville designed the Elsby building in 1915. Construction was completed by November 1916. The ground floor to the right of the main entrance at the corner of Pearl and W. Spring Streets was occupied by the German-American Bank & Trust Company founded by Samuel Joseph Elsby.
The Floyd County Historical Society and the Silver Hills Historical Society will present The Elsby Centennial Celebration in honor of the iconic Elsby Building and the lifetime achievements of Samuel J. Elsby.
Building Tour
The 100-year celebration will begin with a building tour open to the public at no charge from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Come see the historic safe and view an exhibit about Samuel J. Elsby and his lifetime achievements.
The Grand Celebration
Following the building tour there will be a Centennial Celebration at The Grand at 138 E. Market Street, New Albany from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The celebration will feature the Don Krekel Orchestra, hor d’oeuvres, and a meet and greet with descendents of the Elsby family and the current owners of Joseph & Joseph Architects. The celebration event is by ticket. Click on the Buy Now button below to purchase tickets. Dress is semi-formal.
Samuel Joseph Elsby was a resident of Silver Hills from 1918 to until his death in 1937. He was a man compared to the well known Washington C. DePauw of New Albany. Samuel was described as a clever man, sympathetic for human need, and a great citizen. Everyone knew him as kind, loveable, sincere, honest, true and patriotic. In business he was respected as an outstanding executive, ideal of service, who provided financial working capital to institutions, built and operated factories, and provided funds to build homes, clubhouses, and office buildings. He was known for his tireless effort to improve life for his fellow citizens and community. His business achievements began with the opening of a general store. By the time of his death, he had been elected Circuit Court Clerk, became a certified pharmacist, bought a pharmacy, bought a canning company, and a furniture company, founded a local dairy company and held stocks in numerous other local ventures. He founded five banks, reorganized a sixth and chaired the stockholders meeting of a seventh. His crowning achievement was the construction of New Albany’s iconic Elsby Building.
Grand Opening
Silver Hills Historic Nature Trail
And Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.
Spring Street Hill Road Entrance
The Silver Hills Historical Society proudly presents the grand opening of the Silver Hills Historic Nature Trail and Wildlife Sanctuary Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. The opening ceremony will begin with a short speech about the history of the trail by Kelly Carnighan, Director of the Silver Hills Historical Society, followed by a short speech by Jeff Gahan, Mayor of New Albany, and Jerry Finn, executive director of the Horseshoe Foundation. Helen Hammer, a long standing resident of Silver Hills, will perform the ribbon cutting, formally opening the trail to the community.
The Silver Hills Historic Nature Trail sits on 16 acres of beautiful forest. It illustrates and preserves the historical heritage that is unique to New Albany and the community of Silver Hills. The Market Street Hill Road and iron bridge that once crossed Falling Run Creek at Ninth Street, was built in 1870 by George W. Morrison, New Albany’s renowned portrait painter and resident of Silver Hills. The center support pier of hand cut stone is still standing in Falling Run Creek today. Remnants of the old roadbed for the New Albany Highland Railway trolley car line, built in 1891, are still visible. Permanent illustrative displays are mounted along the trails documenting the history.
The development of the trail has been a labor of love. The Horseshoe Foundation, City of New Albany and private donations made the trail possible. Volunteer labor was provided by the following individuals: Ken Brooks, Bob & Scott Caesar, Kelly Carnighan, Ric Manning, and Nancy and Jim Stein.
Dawson’s Hallow
Historic Presentation & Pot Luck Dinner
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Silver Hills Historic Society will host a pig roast and pot luck dinner, Sunday, October 25, at the Silver Heights Parnell Center located on Camp Avenue, Silver Hills. The Society will provide the pork Doors open around 5:30 P.M. Following the pot luck dinner, Pam Peters, New Albany’s African American historian, will present the story about an African American family who made their home on Silver Hills in the early 21st century, known as Dawson’s Hallow, for the Dawson family. Pam, her husband, Curt and Vic Megenity are credited with the story about Lucy A. Higgs Nicholas, an Africa American who served with the Twenty-third Indiana Regiment during the Civil War. The story is on permanent display at the Carnegie Center in New Albany. The evening will begin at 5:30 with a pot-luck dinner followed by the historic presentation. Bring your favorite dish and come join the Silver Hills Historical Society for an evening with friends and neighbors. We encourage anyone with a story about Dawson’s Hallow to come share it with us.
George W. Morrison Art Exhibit and Tour
of “Greystone Gables”, at the lovely home
belonging to Georgia and Woody Oakes,
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Georgia and Woody Oakes will graciously open their lovely home on Silver Hills, the historic Greystone Gables, to the public for home tour and art exhibit featuring select paintings by George W. Morrison. Greystone Gables was constructed in 1929 by Eugene V. Knight. The Knights sold the house in 1937 to Margaret and Carl Moser of Moser Leather in New Albany. For 50 years the house was known as the Moser Mansion by local residents.
George W. Morrison was a regionally renowned portrait and landscape painter. He was born in 1820, moved to New Albany in 1845 and made his home on Caney Knob in the 1850’s. He passed away at his home in 1893.
The Silver Hills Historical Society will host a one day exhibit of original paintings by G. W. Morrison Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The Society will also be offering a tour of the historic Greystone Gables, one of the most beautiful homes in New Albany. The exhibit and tour is by ticket. Cost to attend is $15 per person. For more information or tickets please e-mail Silver.Hills@twc.com or call 502-494-0840. The exhibit and house tour is a one day event showcasing a must see historic home and art exhibit.
Tuley Homestead Historic Presentation & Pot Luck Dinner
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Three direct descendants from the Tuley family came into town last fall for a family genealogy presentation sponsored by the New Albany Bicentennial last fall: Eugene P. Tuley; his daughter, Linda Westbrook and an aunt, Anna Owens. Eugene P. Tuley is the great grandson of Thomas P. Tuley. the son of Mary C. Tuley and brother to the four Tuleys who lived on Silver Hills. The Silver Hills Historical Society provided a tour of Silver Hills highlighting the four remaining Tuley homes still standing on the Hill today. Eugene and his daughter were so moved by the tour they both expressed an interest in coming back. The Society Newsletter first promoted a Tuley Home Tour but instead we plan to gather at the Silver Heights Parnell Center in October for potluck dinner and a historic presentation about the Tuley families who lived on Silver Hills. There will be actors in period dress to portray a Tuley family member and tell a short story about their life on Silver Hills. Pictured from left to right: Linda Westwood, daughter of Eugene P. Tule and an aunt, Anna Owens will be present. This will be a historic opportunity to meet three direct descendants from the Tuley family who owned the southern half of Silver Hills for close to a hundred years.
Highland Country Club Re-enactment of The Grand Opening
May 31, 2014
The Highland Country Club is currently the home of Nick Stein. It’s located at the top of Main Street Hill Road, formerly Tuley Avenue. The house was built specifically to serve the community as a Country Club for receptions, parties and dancing. There were two tennis courts available for the member’s pleasure. The Highland Country Club opened May 30, 1907 with great fanfare by hosting a reception drawing 250 people. Residents of Silver Hills and prominent individuals from the city were in attendance. Nick Stein enthusiastically agreed to open his house for a re-enactment of the Club’s grand opening celebration. Music, refreshments, a silent auction and a historical presentation will highlight the evening. The event will be open to Society members and Silver Hills residents by invitation only.