Ever since the Batesville Area Historical Society mounted a temporary display of city artifacts during Batesville’s 150th in 2002, members knew they needed to establish a permanent museum.

The idea was confirmed by Development Concepts, Inc., Indianapolis. The consultants recently submitted a strategic plan for the heart of the city to the mayor. “One of the things they said is you need a historical museum downtown,” according to BAHS President Jean Struewing.

On Monday that mission was accomplished. The society’s board of directors (Struewing, John Dickey, Tim Dietz, Jason Michaels and Ross Brewer) acquired a property at 15 W. George St. to serve as the organization's new home.

The house originally was at the corner of Walnut and George streets, owned by a Kaiser with a livery behind it where Batesville Business Machines is now. Before the post office was built, it was moved to its current location just west of the initial lot. It was used as a home first, then as the longtime office of the late Dr. Ali Daftary and, more recently, two other physicians.

“We're going to tear that down,” she reports. “We're going to build a new building. Historical societies usually don't want to tear things down," but burst water pipes in the walls and ceilings caused invasive mold. A renovation would be cost prohibitive, according to Struewing.

Vintage features will be salvaged before demolition. “There are three beautiful fireplaces with mantels and mirrors and ceramic tile,” three pocket doors and three stained glass windows.

Batesville Kiwanians have offered to help remove the old-time architectural features and Struewing knows the society will need more volunteers with “This Old House” expertise.

When the wooden floor of the old Batesville Middle School gym is removed, it may be used in the entry and elsewhere. Stored tin ceiling tiles saved when the Memorial Building was renovated also may find a new purpose.

“We’re going to try to make ... (the museum) look as old as we can,” the president explains. “It’s exciting. We’re going to really do it up right.”

Its layout is in the planning stages. State historical museum officials advised that the building space be divided equally: one-third for exhibits, one-third for offices and one-third for storage.

Of the property purchase, Struewing notes, “This transaction was made possible through the generosity” of Keith Lindauer, MainSource Bank senior vice president and director of commercial lending; Jeff Dugan, MainSource Bank vice president of commercial lending; Brigette Nolting of Tudor Square Realty and James Dreyer of Countryside Realty.

She’s also grateful to major contributors Peter and Elsa Soderberg and many others who made the acquisition possible.

More dollars will have to be raised to construct the facility. Fundraising ideas are being floated now.

“The BAHS membership is very excited about the new site and the possibilities it will create for the community,” says Struewing. Anyone wishing to become a member can contact her at 934-2608.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.