Art & Culture
We invite you to explore the vibrant tapestry of creativity that our community has to offer. From captivating galleries and inspiring performances to rich historical sites and eclectic festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, we hope to ignite your passion for the arts and deepen your appreciation for our cultural heritage. Join us on this journey of discovery and experience the unique artistic spirit that makes our destination truly special!
VEALE CREEK THEATRE
Veale Creek Theatre
4470 Hwy 57
Washington, IN 47501
Veale Creek Theatre has a long history. The theatre was originally built around 1880 as a one-room schoolhouse and was known as The Lett School. Students in grades 1-8 attended school there until the early 1960's. Former Washington, IN resident Clifford Bingham once taught at The Lett School.
​
After the schoolhouse was no longer in use, nextdoor neighbor and local contractor, Jerry Young, purchased the building. Mr. Young built on the addition that now houses the backstage area and used the area as storage for his business.
​
The Washington Civic Players theatre group was formed in 1972 and used the Washington High School auditorium as it's performance space. Jerry Young's wife, Sally, was involved with the Civic Players and in 1979 the Youngs offered the use of their building to the group. The Washington Civic Players became The Veale Creek Players and moved into the current theatre in October, 1979 with a production of Count Dracula.
GASTHOF AMISH VILLAGE
Gasthof Amish Village opened in 1988 when Dr. Richard Graber of Paoli, Indiana first built the restaurant on the property that was originally a working farm. Dr. Graber's heritage can be traced back to Old Order Amish in the area, and his desire to preserve his heritage, combined with a strong sense of community, resulted in one of the most unique restaurants in America. The restaurant building was constructed in traditional Amish style and built by local Amish craftsmen.
​
A hotel was added in 1997, and additional buildings and shops were added as well to keep the Amish tradition alive and provide the community a place to sell antiques, crafts, and homemade items. Jerry Fuhs bought the property in 2000 after the passing of Dr. Graber. The property boasts some 92 acres, a 25 acre lake, a hotel, restaurant, Amish barn, group & wedding spaces, and antique & craft shops. The Fuhs family has preserved the original vision of keeping the Amish heritage alive and well!
Gasthof Amish Village
6659 E Gasthof Village Rd
Montgomery, IN 47558
CORNING IRISH HERITAGE CENTER
Corning Heritage Center
4962 South 800 East
Montgomery, IN 47558
When most people hear about Irish immigration, they almost immediately think about the potato famine. However, the Irish immigrants who came to settle in Corning and the surrounding area were not from the exodus of Irish due to the potato famine. Most of our ancestors came before the potato famine, some as early as the 1810s. Work on the canals drew Irish workers to the area with the contruction of the Wabash and Erie canal that would cut across the top corner of Daviess County. Many of the Irish realized that there was plentiful land to be purchased in the county, and that was extremely desirable for a population who had long been denied the right to own property by the British landowners who held control over the people of Ireland for centuries. Once some of the Irish had settled here, they sent home for their families to join in the better life offered by the good farming in Daviess County. Gradually, a community grew up as the families stayed close together to share in their common heritage and dreams.
Many of the Irish who settled in Corning came from Counties Wexford, Kildare, Kilkenny, and Queen's. You can view this heritage written on many of the headstones in the Glencoe and St. Patrick's cemeteries.
THE COMMONS
The COMMONS includes a variety of new amenities, including a large, multi-purpose event pavilion, a performance pavilion and gathering lawn and a market pavilion that will serve as a host to a variety of downtown events. Additional amenities include bench swings, passive gathering areas and potential public art and spray fountain.
​
This public space celebrates our community and provides a new gathering space for our residents and visitors to come together, celebrate, and enjoy.​
301 E Main St
Washington, IN 47501
LOCAL LIBRARIES
Arts Unleased Presents: The Gallery is now open on Main Street in Washington. Stop in Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm to purchase local art with mediums ranging from, watercolor paintings, ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, and stained glass designs.