No photograph
on file
Est. 1892
Photo: Scott County Heritage Center and Museum / schcam.org — press-use with attribution · press-use
Museum / Historical Site

Scott County Heritage Center and Museum

A Scottsburg, Indiana history museum housed in the former Scott County poor farm, where staff and visitors report footsteps, phantom odors, and apparitions attributed to the institution's onetime residents.

1050 S Main St, Scottsburg, IN 47170

Research updated June 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

$

Museum admission and paranormal tours; ghost tours are typically by appointment for a fee. Call ahead.

Access

Limited Access

Two-story historic brick building; upper floor accessed by stairs.

Equipment

Photos OK

Footsteps on the empty second floorSound of a baby cryingPhantom odors (sewer gas, lilacs)Lights turning on and offApparitions in period clothing

Volunteers and visitors to the Scott County Heritage Center attribute a range of unexplained experiences to the building's history as a county poor farm. According to the county tourism office and Indiana Haunted Houses, reported phenomena include footsteps on the second floor when no one is upstairs, the sound of a baby crying, sudden unexplained odors, and lights switching on and off inside the closed building.

Staff have given names to several of the presences they associate with the building. "Mary," said to be the spirit known longest to volunteers, is described as a former resident who broke the home's no-pets rule by feeding stray cats; her presence is reportedly signaled by a sewer-gas odor and the sound of a cat meowing when no animal is present. "Bubba," seen near the main-floor entry in overalls and a flannel shirt, and "Lester," associated with an upstairs room, round out the cast of named figures, along with "Lillian," whose arrival is reportedly marked by the scent of lilacs or perfume.

These accounts are drawn from museum staff and the county's tourism materials rather than from independently documented residents; the museum presents them as local ghost-story tradition during its evening tours.

Notable Entities

MaryBubbaLesterLillian

Plan Your Visit

2 ways to experience
Guided Tour

Heritage Museum Tour

Tour the county history museum housed in the former poor farm building.

Duration:
1 hr
Get directions
Ghost Hunt Booking Required

Evening Paranormal Tour

Saturday-night paranormal tours by appointment exploring the building's haunted reputation.

Duration:
2 hr
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Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.visitscottcounty.org/index.php/blog/spooky-side-of-the-scott-county-heritage-center-museum
  2. 2.indianahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/scott-heritage-center.html
  3. 3.visitscottcounty.org/index.php/visit/destinations-landmarks/57-scott-county-heritage-museum

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scott County Heritage Center and Museum family-friendly?
The daytime museum is family-friendly local history; evening paranormal tours touch on poor-farm hardship and may unsettle younger or sensitive children. Overall family fit: Moderate.
How much does it cost to visit Scott County Heritage Center and Museum?
Museum admission and paranormal tours; ghost tours are typically by appointment for a fee. Call ahead.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are required.
Is Scott County Heritage Center and Museum wheelchair accessible?
Scott County Heritage Center and Museum has limited wheelchair accessibility. Terrain: Two-story historic brick building; upper floor accessed by stairs..