Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site

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Tour Times (Registration Required)

10:00 am
12:00 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm

View the lasting legacy of the 19th century and learn about the man behind the mansion.

William Culbertson moved to Indiana seeking a new life and eventually became one of the richest men in the state and a renowned philanthropist. In fact, Culbertson invested much of his wealth in New Albany, involving himself in civic affairs, funding the construction of the Culbertson Widows Home, serving as a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and founding the Cornelia Memorial Orphans Home, named for the second of his three wives. His mansion stands as an example of the tastes, ideals and lifestyles of the late 1800s.

At age 21, William S. Culbertson left New Market, Pennsylvania, to seek his fortune in Indiana. Settling in New Albany, he found employment as a clerk in a dry goods store. Culbertson possessed exceptional business sense and energy. He started his own utility company in 1854, eventually becoming a prosperous, independent businessman. In 1868, Culbertson retired from the dry goods business to invest his money in new ventures, in and around New Albany. Culbertson was widowed twice and married for the third time at age 70. He died in 1892, at the age of 78, achieving a net worth of $3.5 million dollars — about $61 million in today’s economy.

UPCOMING at CULBERTSON MANSION

SEE ALL EVENTS

Jul 12

Family Clue Party (ages 6+)-CANCELED

4 pm – 6 pm

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Aug 29 – 30

Fall Rummage Sale

10 am – 2 pm

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Sep 25 – 26

Literally, A Haunted House

7 –11 pm

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Oct 2

Haunts and Happenings

6 – 7 pm

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Oct 3

Haunts and Happenings

6 – 7 pm

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Alternative view of exterior of Culbertson Mansion

Artist Painting Inside of Culbertson Mansion

Portrait in frame inside Culbertson Mansion

Decadent Ceiling inside the Culbertson Mansion

The Restoration of the Mansion

The Culbertson family sold the house and its furnishings in 1899. Over the following decades, the passage of time and changes in ownership left their mark on the mansion. When the State of Indiana took ownership of the house in 1976, much of it would have been unrecognizable to the family. The state started exterior renovations in 1980, and shortly afterward, the staff and the Friends of Culbertson Mansion began work to restore the original interior.

An Artist’s Touch

Restoration requires careful analysis of the remaining materials so that the artists and craftspeople involved can recreate the originals as accurately as possible. Textiles such as carpeting and window coverings are chosen for their appropriateness to the time period. In some cases, historic photographs are invaluable, as in the rebuilding of the first floor veranda and the recreation of the etched-glass panel in the front door.

HOST your EVENT

THE MANSION IS WAITING

VIEW RENTAL SPACES

Table scape for event at Culbertson Mansion

PRESERVE THE LEGACY of Culbertson Mansion

Help keep the spirit of William Culbertson alive. Support the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site through donations, memberships, or volunteering and ensure future generations can experience this historic treasure.

There’s More to See Around the State.

With an Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites membership you get unlimited visits to all 12 of our locations around the state!

WELCOME to CULBERTSON MANSION