our history

Since 1950

The Vanderburgh County 4-H Center began its proud history in 1950 on a rural 51-acre site that offered a beautiful, unspoiled country setting. The terrain was rough and the trees were plenty but when area farmers worked together to spruce up the land, it was soon ready for its first big event: the popular Scott-Vanderburgh County Fair. The site was originally named the Rural Center and got its start, in fact, because the fair had outgrown the grounds of the Scott School.

The Rural Center was incorporated in August, 1950, and was renamed the Vanderburgh County Rural Center. It is doubtful that the founders of this simple gathering place knew that they had laid the foundation for one of the finest activity complexes in the tri-state region.

As the years progressed, an auditorium and livestock pavilion, a grandstand, and other structures were built to accommodate the growing number of events. The grounds provided a wonderful place where farmers and their children could learn new technologies, show their animals and crops, and meet socially.

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In November of 1957 the Center became known as the Vanderburgh County 4-H Club Association, Inc. As a newly-incorporated non-profit organization, the 4-H Center retained its commitment to continue developing facilities for educational, and recreational activities for area young people and adults. By 1972, the Center had acquired additional land, giving the organization a total of 192 acres on which to grow.

Today the Vanderburgh 4-H Center offers surrounding communities a unique complex of modern facilities that are exceptionally-maintained and managed by professionals. It remains the hub of many youth-oriented events and has diversified, as well, to become a desirable spot for corporate meetings and dinners, conventions, sporting events, and a variety of other private and public activities. The 4-H Center invites you to experience the charm of its rural setting and the convenience of spacious, accommodating facilities. There is much to discover at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center.