Jay County Heritage Festival

The Jay County Heritage Festival is an annual two-day event held at the Jay County Historical Museum in Portland, Indiana, typically on the fourth weekend of September. It features demonstrations, reenactors, music, entertainment, exhibits, crafts, artisans, and a kids’ area with old-time games. Traditional foods such as kettle-cooked meals, ice cream, and caramel corn are available, and admission is free. The festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere celebrating local history and culture with a lively, engaging vibe for all ages.

The event is held on the grounds of the Jay County Historical Museum, located at 903 E Main St., Portland, in the historic Hawkins Trust Building. The museum itself is a large (about 11,000–13,500 sq. ft.) facility housing thousands of historical artifacts, ranging from local industry and military memorabilia to Native American artifacts and period clothing.

The Heritage Festival grew out of the Historical Society’s annual open house, beginning formally around 2003 when the society incorporated artisan demonstrations, music, and tours alongside a Ham and Bean Supper. Since then, the festival has expanded, becoming a central cultural and heritage event for Jay County.

Festival Activities and Features

• Living history demonstrations and reenactors showcasing traditional crafts and skills.
• Artisan craft exhibits with hands-on demonstrations.
• Live music and entertainment covering traditional and historical themes.
• Historical exhibits and museum tours highlighting Jay County's past.
• Kids’ area with old-time games offering interactive, educational play.
• Food vendors serving kettle-cooked meals, ice cream, caramel corn, and other traditional treats.
• Ongoing museum open houses or tours during the festival days.

Rough Schedule and Location

• The festival typically spans two days on a weekend in late September (for 2025, September 27-28).
• Activities likely start mid-morning through late afternoon each day, with space divided between indoor museum exhibits and outdoor demonstration areas on the museum grounds.
• Specific scheduling details may vary year to year but generally include repeated craft demonstrations, multiple live music sessions, and family-friendly activities staggered throughout the day.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

• The event is situated in the historic downtown area of Portland, Indiana, giving visitors a sense of community and local heritage.
• The museum's location at the end of East Main Street emphasizes a quaint, small-town charm.
• The festival provides an immersive cultural experience reflective of the region's history from 19th century to modern day.
• The vibe is educational, nostalgic, and welcoming, aiming to engage locals and visitors with a hands-on connection to heritage.

History and Founding

• The Jay County Historical Society was founded in 1967, growing from the Indiana Sesquicentennial Committee.
• The museum is housed in the Hawkins Trust Building, gifted to the society in 1984 and continuously enhanced.
• The Heritage Festival started as an annual two-day open house with traditional food, music, and demonstrations in 2003 and has steadily expanded since.
• The society remains a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and sharing Jay County’s unique history.

This festival is a rich cultural event emphasizing community heritage, traditional crafts, and educational fun for all ages set in a convivial and historic environment. It is fully accessible and free to all attendees, making it an inclusive celebration of Jay County’s past and present.