Butler University called the suburb of Irvington home from 1875 - 1928.  The institution's vision of equality in education for all races, cultures, and genders melded with that of the founders of Irvington.  A promising young alum, Bona Thompson, was one of many young women who fulfilled this radical notion while at Butler.  Tragically, she died at the turn of the twentieth century, a few short years after graduation.  The Thompsons donated funds for the completion of a memorial library in her name.  The building was completed in 1903, and served the university until the move to the present Butler campus in 1928.

In 1940, after years of neglect, the Disciples Of Christ (Christian Church) bought the building, to serve as part of their international headquarters, which was housed formerly next door in the 1909 Missionary Training School.  With drastic interior changes and a connector to the former training school, it served as part of the Disciples' complex until 1995.  In 1999, the Society helped market the Missions Building for private development as seniors-only housing.  The Society then raised funds and restored the Bona Thompson Memorial Library as a center for the arts in Irvington. Now, you can walk where Butler students did a century ago and view the permanent and visiting art collections.

The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is the present day home of the Irvington Historical Society.

Activities include:

°     Hoosier School art exhibits

°     Contemporary art shows

°     Annual Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction

°     Archival holdings on view by appointment

°     Annual Irvington Heritage Awards

°     The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is also host for several events for other community        organizations

Awards:

°     Preserve America Grant

°     Save America's Treasures

°     Neighborhood Preservation Awards (1996 and 2003) from Historic Landmarks Foundation Of        Indiana

°     Fadely Award (Indianapolis-Marion County Historical Society)