Icons of Community: Honoring Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses

Rising proudly above town squares and countryside alike, Indiana’s county courthouses serve as more than just centers of law and governance. With their stately domes, clock towers, and ornate facades, these buildings are enduring symbols of community identity—secular cathedrals that embody the spirit, history, and aspirations of each county they serve.

Now, one man’s passion for these architectural treasures is coming full circle.

Back in 2007, attorney Douglas Church embarked on a personal mission to capture the essence of all 92 of Indiana’s county courthouses through art. What began as a simple idea soon turned into an ambitious journey—part road trip, part scavenger hunt, and wholly a labor of love. Over the course of nearly two decades, Church collected original artworks of each courthouse, curating a collection that celebrates the state’s architectural and civic heritage in a uniquely personal way.

On August 1, the public is invited to hear the remarkable stories behind Church’s mission at a special event hosted by Indiana Landmarks. Icons of Community: Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses will feature a talk from Church himself, sharing the insights, adventures, and occasional comic misadventures that shaped his journey.

Joining him is Elizabeth R. Osborn, director of education at Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government, who will delve into the historical and artistic legacy of these iconic buildings. Clay Miller, former president of the Indiana State Bar Association and a past Indiana Landmarks board member, will moderate the conversation.

The evening continues with a reception in the Rapp Family Gallery at the Indiana Landmarks Center, where guests can view the full collection of courthouse artwork. The exhibition features works from renowned artists including Wyatt LeGrand, Anastasia Mak, Nancy Rairdon, Rich Ernsting, and many more—each offering a distinct interpretation of Indiana’s civic landmarks.

The event is presented by Church, Church, Hittle + Antrim, a Noblesville-based law firm, in partnership with the Indiana State Bar Association.

Event Details:

• What: Icons of Community: Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses

• When: August 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT(Talk from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; reception to follow)

• Where: Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 (also streamed online)

• Cost: Free with RSVP

• RSVP: indianalandmarks.org/historic-county-courthouses or call 317-639-4534

  
  

Photo: Greene County Courthouse, Indiana - Work by Wyatt LeGrand