Vigo County Historical Society

Vigo portrait restored through "Adopt an Artifact"

One of the most important artifacts in the collection at the Vigo County Historical Museum is the portrait of the namesake of our county, Col. Francis Vigo (pronounced Vee-go). Years of aging had taken a toll on the painting, and the image was slowly being lost.

Three years ago, the Vigo County Historical Society began an "Adopt An Artifact" program to raise funds for the restoration of the portrait. The conservator at the Indianapolis Museum of Art estimated we would need to raise $10,000 to restore and preserve the painting and frame.

Through the generous donations of individual patrons, The Oakley Foundation and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Fort Harrison Chapter, our goal was accomplished last spring and for the last six months, the portrait has undergone a wonderful transformation. The conservator estimates the date of the portrait to the 1820s, so this facelift should safeguard Col. Vigo for at least the next 100 years.

The unveiling of the restored portrait will take place at 1:30 p.m. today during the traditional Holiday Open House at the museum at 1411 S. Sixth St. The "before and after" restoration documentation will be on display. Members of the local DAR chapter will assist in the presentation and refreshments will follow.

Please join us as we welcome Col. Vigo home.