Sheila Strickland, who has taken on the role of co-director for the Kosciusko County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum, is shown outside the museum in Warsaw. Photo provided by the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

News Release

WARSAW — Sheila Strickland, Winona Lake, formerly of Syracuse, has been named co-director of the Kosciusko County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum. She is filling the vacancy of former co-director Esther Eickhoff, who stepped down earlier this year.

The change of directors was effective July 1.

“It’s been an honor and joy,” Eickhoff said recently about serving as co-director. “I wish the very best to Sheila.” Eickhoff will remain at the museum as a volunteer for both the jail side as well as the genealogy library.

Strickland, who moved to Winona Lake last year, came from Syracuse where she raised her two boys. Strickland has always been interested in history and Kosciusko County. Strickland volunteered over the years at the Old Jail Museum while she worked in the RV Industry as a document control specialist.

“I took on this role with enthusiasm because I have such passion for history. You can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you have been,” Strickland said. “Kosciusko has such a rich history of many stories, legacies and fascinating facts. From the very beginning to now, Kosciusko County remains very interesting. From the Native Americans, to the White settlers, to dirt roads downtown, to being the Orthopedic Capital of the World.”

“Having the pleasure of working in an 1871 building shaped like a castle, which used to be the county jail and the sheriff’s residence, is such an honor,” Strickland said.

Since taking on the role, Strickland’s first goal was getting a kiosk up and running in the featured exhibit, updating all the museum’s brochures, opening an Instagram account and helping design a new website. She also has focused on sponsors for The Thaddeus, the Historical Society’s quarterly magazine. In addition, she has helped with school tours and the pumpkin giveaway.

The Historical Society has several events planned for 2024 as it continues to rebound after the pandemic. The Old Jail Museum, with its two-tier jail and three-story residence, features many rooms, each filled with local artifacts. A large genealogy library also is available on the first floor.

The Old Jail Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.