Tours and Open Houses
Holiday Historic Home Tour
Save the date Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 11 am-4 pm ET for a tour of homes in the Vincennes Historic District decorated for the holidays.
On Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 1-4 pm ET, VKPF and Indiana Landmarks invite you to see a variety of historic churches in Vincennes. The open house is free, but please RSVP. Preceding the open house, enjoy a talk about the artistry and restoration of stained glass on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 7-8 pm ET at Sacred Heart Church. Please RSVP.
Hilt (Libby) House
VKPF saved the Hilt House (commonly known as the Libby House) from demolition. The house is a double-pen c. 1847 on Seminary Street between 1st and 2nd Streets in the Vincennes Historic District. It is located around the corner from the Michel Brouillet House (French House) c. 1806 that reflects the town’s French heritage. With support from Indiana Landmarks, VKPF rehabilitated the exterior of the Hilt House. Volunteers are always welcome to help with ongoing restoration and maintenance.
Dale House
The Dale House, an American Foursquare c. 1909 at the corner of Hart Street and Second Street in the Vincennes Historic District, has been restored with the help of Indiana Landmarks and many other preservation-minded organizations and individuals. VKPF is excited to announce that the house sold in December 2011. The house features original woodwork, hardwood floors and staircase. Many thanks to all who contributed to this preservation effort.
Hack & Simon Building Restoration
VKPF led the way in restoring the Hack & Simon Brewery Office Building, c. 1885, on the Vincennes University campus. Due to the public’s desire to “save” this outstanding edifice, large sums of money were raised for the project. A great example of an adaptive reuse, the Knox County Development Corporation moved its offices into the building in 2008. The building was dedicated to the Bierhaus Family in 2011.
Judge Abner T. Ellis House
VKPF coordinated funding from Indiana Landmarks for an assessment of the facade of the Judge Abner T. Ellis House. Owned by the Harmony Society, plans include preservation of the sandstone columns and facade improvements.
Knox County Soldiers & Sailors Civil War Monument
Originally dedicated in 1914, the Civil War Monument on the county square memorializes war and peace. Designed by C.N. Clark and Company of Urbana, Illinois, the granite monument, well over sixty feet high and topped with the color-bearer, became susceptible to weather and fell into disrepair over the years. The restoration effort, directed by Judge Tim Crowley and led by VKPF, raised funds for over a decade and partnered with Knox County to bring the monument back to its original glory. A re-dedication ceremony celebrated the completed restoration on July 4, 2008.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In 1990, this program began with volunteers donating their time and talent to restore and renovate historic homes and buildings. Five homes and an educational facility have benefited from the program. They include: 301 South Third Street (c. 1925), 324 North Fourth Street (c. 1895), 407 North First Street (c. 1880), 427 North Fifth Street (c.1888), 313 Church Street (c. 1886) and St. Francis Xavier Parochial School (c. 1874).
St. Xavier School
Now used by Rivet School, VKPF advocated for the preservation of the St. Xavier School at Third and Church Streets. Legal action prevented demolition of this historic building.
Parks National Register Listing
In 2013, VKPF assisted with the listings of Gregg Park and Kimmell Park on the National Register of Historic Places. Partners in Preservation, a program of Indiana Landmarks, helped fund the endeavor. Both parks were designed by local architects Sutton and Routt.
Historic School Buildings Reuse
Vincennes retains many fine examples of school architecture from the early twentieth century. VKPF partnered with local organizations to find a new use for school structures vacated by theVincennes Community School Corporation. Clark’s Crossing, a project by local architects Myszak+Palmer, now provides affordable senior housing in the former school building on 6th Street. In addition, Adams Coliseum has been renovated and put back into use for the community.
Presentation on April 6, 2010 at Adams Coliseum by Mr. Royce Yeater, Midwest Director of the National Trust for Historic Places: Saving Historic Schools – Yeater
Presentation at Adams Coliseum by Andrew Myszak, local architect: Architecture and History of Local School Buildings
Examples of school reuse: New Uses for Old School Buildings