Welcome!
Our History
The Southern Indiana Folk School is located in Madison, Indiana, a beautiful and historic town nestled between the Ohio River and the rolling hills of southern Indiana. This setting has allowed Madison to retain its unique cultural identity and heritage for more than 200 years. Then entire downtown, about 130 blocks, are a designated National Historic Landmark District filled with homes, businesses, and other buildings, offering an array of architectural styles.
Founded in 1809, Madison became a melting pot of cultures and traditions as settlers located here from the eastern states, Europe, and elsewhere. They brought their crafts to the area, creating a rich trade history including iron, tin, and copper works, textiles, handmade toys and furniture, woodworking, and pottery. Many examples of locally produced and handmade items are in the collections at the Jefferson County Historical Society History & Art Center, where the Southern Indiana Folk School holds its classes.
Our Mission
The Southern Indiana Folk School was established in 2014 to help promote the traditional arts and crafts of Jefferson County and the surrounding area and to engage the public in creative education. The family friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere provides a space welcoming students of all ages and skill levels, allowing everyone to learn together and from each other.
Teaching folk crafts helps to nurture appreciation for today’s world by reminding us of a simpler time and place in history, where stories were shared over tables surrounded by friends and family while working to create items both functional and beautiful.