As a part of the series reviewing the Rush County Community Foundation’s “designated endowment” funds, we’ll be taking a weekly look at the Rush County nonprofit organizations that have funds that support their mission and work held at RCCF.  This week’s installment focuses on Rush County Heritage.

Rush County’s rich history is still evident throughout our community today.  Remnants of horse races, covered bridges, agriculture, schoolhouses, and a presidential candidate from our community are just some of Rush County’s cherished past that can be seen passing through the county.  These pieces of history are preserved, in part, by the charitable work of Rush County Heritage.

Rush County Heritage is a not-for-profit group that was established in 1986 in response to the then-county commissioners desire to tear down Rush County covered bridges.  Recognizing that these structures are more than just means of travel in Rush County, a group of passionate volunteers joined together to advocate , fundraise, and ultimately save the bridges.

The work of Rush County Heritage can be seen throughout the county:  beyond saving the covered bridges, Rush County Heritage has worked to save a Rush County round barn from further damage by dismantling and storing for later reconstruction.  Rush County Heritage has assisted the restoration of Wilkie signs as well as with the renovation of the Booker T. Washington building.

Like the Rush County Heritage, the Rush County Community Foundation enriches our community’s future by building upon the past.  We are proud to support the Rush County Heritage’s ongoing preservation efforts within our community via the Nelson Farms Endowment fund.  The Nelson Farms Endowment Fund was established by the Margaret L. Nelson Revocable Trust and distributes grant funds annually to Rush County Heritage.

If you are interested in learning more about the Fund or supporting Rush County Heritage, we encourage you to consider a donation that will forever assist their work via the Rush County Community Foundation.  For more details, please visit our website at www.rushcountyfoundation.org, our office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, or call (765) 938-1177.