Henry County History Society

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the creation of Henry County the Henry County Historical Society has purchased THE CAPLINGER HOUSE in the county seat, New Castle. The house will be used as a museum/genealogical/educational resource center. The idea for this project started in 1993. At that time the society decided to publish a new history of Henry County with the proceeds from the sale to be our seed money for the purchase of a building. "Henry County, Kentucky 1798-1995" was published in 1995. Only one thousand copies were printed.

MEETING INFORMATION

All of our meetings are held the third Monday of every other month beginning in Jan. That equates to, Marc 15th, June 21st, September 20th, and November 15th. Dinner is 6:30, business is at 7:00 and all speakers begin at 7:30. Unfinished business is conducted upon completion of our program.

The proceeds from the sale of the history book Henry County, Kentucky 1798-1995, the Henry County Cemeteries and some very generous donations enabled us to purchase the house in July of 1997. Renovations continue as we are now open to the public five days a week, two hours a day. An architect and an historic preservation consultant, both teachers at the College of Architecture at the University of Kentucky, are assisting with our preservation plan. The plans will include a long-term maintenance plan, blueprint drawings and a rendering of what the house should like when completed.

The Smithfield Garden Club was instrumental in providing new plantings for the front porch area of the house and also two specimen shrubs for the lawn. More plantings are planned.

As we all know, renovations are very costly. We have had some folks step forward and offer their services for free or at a lower cost, but we are still in need of funds for renovation as well as decorating and furnishing the building.

The Caplinger House (future home of the Henry County History Center) was built in 1863 by James Nelson Caplinger. It is one of three houses located in New Castle built exactly the same by Mr. Caplinger, one for each one of his three daughters. James was born in Shelby Co., KY. in 1828, the son of William D. and Malinda (Davis) Caplinger. He moved to New Castle in 1852. In 1858 he married Miss Amanthus Wand of Muhlenburg County, KY. They had six children: William A., J.T., Anna, May, Emma and Lucy. Mr. Caplinger was educated at the common schools in Henry County. He was a carpenter for thirteen years and then engaged in a pharmacy business.

Henry County History Henry County Web
Submitted photo

The house has had a number of owners over the years. From 1917 to 1969 it was owned by the United Methodist Church and it served as the Methodist Parsonage for over 50 years. The latest owners are Robert and Judy Diederich. Mr. and Mrs. Diederich recently purchased another old house in New Castle and offered the Caplinger House to the Historical Society for a future home. Though the house is in need of a great deal of "TLC", it has been judged by Scot Walters, Restoration Project Manager of the Kentucky Heritage Council, as structurally sound and "a good example of its period's architecture."

Now we need your help to bring this house back to its former glory.
Join the Historical Society or donate to the restoration/construction fund.

Submitted by Marie Winburn ()

See "Ye Olde History Shoppe" to purchase an artist signed, commemorative ornament depicting the Caplinger House!
Quantities are limited so hurry!