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In early 1979 a group of Pendleton People were gathered to discuss plans for the annual Pendleton High School Alumni Day. It was at this meeting that the subject of a historical museum was introduced.

For the next few months plans were formulated to proceed with such a project. Finding a home for the museum was perhaps one of the first decisions to make. Several locations were considered.

The Pendleton community is unusually rich in historic interest. It sits beside Fall Creek, which takes the name from the fact that here the creek tumbles over a 12-foot ledge of solid limestone. In early days this was a mill site, but through time it eventually became a grand old swimming pool for the community and area. It was a fine place for summer fun, complete with diving boards built in the rock, a big water slide, and of course a bathhouse for the patrons.

In the 1960's the old swimming pool had to be closed to the public for swimming due to pollution. This indeed was a disappointment for the community. The old bathhouse turned into a storage place for the town and park department.

Now with plans for a museum and need for a home, the decision was made to make over the old bathhouse. Everyone came together to make this happen. Volunteers and donations were abundant. Log planks from Tennessee were put in place. Finally, after much work and dedication it was finished and ready to furnish with all the donations of artifacts and memorabilia from bygone days. So many generous hands fulfilled our dreams, and the Pendleton Historical Museum was now ready to be opened and shared.

Sept. 5, 1981--a Saturday--was a great day. Many people came to the dedication of the Pendleton Historical Museum. The weather was perfect, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts participated, the Pendleton Heights High School Band played, the Pendletones sang. Also Jessamyn West, the famous author of "The Massacre at Fall Creek," was the speaker. It was truly a day to remember. So many hands helped to make the museum a reality. That occasion was over 27 years ago.

The dreams of many people came true, and through these years we have continued to maintain and share this museum with all who come to visit.

Special tours are available upon request, and many school groups plan outings at the museum. The museum, located in Falls Park, is open May through October on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Pendleton is proud to preserve the history of the South Madison area.