Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future: Inside the Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center
In the heart of Downtown Sidney stands something extraordinary—a museum unlike any other in the region. The Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center, a project by the Shelby County Historical Society, opened its doors in April 2023. Since then, it’s been sparking curiosity, conversations, and creativity for visitors of all ages.
But this isn’t your typical museum. This is history you can touch, hear, and experience.
Thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sidney and Shelby County, the Wallace Center became more than just a vision—it became a vibrant, interactive space where the past fuels the future.
What Makes the Wallace Center So Special?
Housed in six unique galleries, the Learning and Innovation Center offers an immersive experience:
- Our Legacy Begins
- Onward and Upward
- Our Land’s Bounty
- Industrial Ingenuity
- People of Impact
- Opportunity Awaits!
Through talking portraits of historic leaders, hands-on activities, and dynamic visual displays, visitors are taken on a journey through Shelby County’s rich and diverse past. From operating a steam engine and flying a plane at Korn Airfield, to navigating the Miami and Erie Canal or electrifying Fort Loramie—this museum puts you at the center of history.
The final galleries invite guests to explore their own future, with tools for self-reflection and professional discovery.
Why This Center Matters
The Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center was designed with one powerful belief: understanding our past can ignite the future.
Every inch of this space is rooted in the mission of the Shelby County Historical Society—to “actively engage and educate our community to preserve and promote local history.” And there’s no better way to fulfill that mission than by inviting the public—especially young people—into an interactive space where they don’t just learn about history—they experience it.
One unforgettable moment comes in Gallery 3, where visitors hear Lewis Warbington ask, “Who is my neighbor? How can I help someone in need?” These questions are timeless, and they remind us that innovation, leadership, and compassion are part of our community’s DNA.
We believe that by learning about leaders who stepped forward to face the challenges of their time, today’s visitors—especially students—will feel inspired to lead in their own ways.
Behind the Scenes: A Community Effort
Creating the Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center wasn’t a solo mission. It was a labor of love.
Volunteers and Historical Society staff dedicated hundreds of hours to researching, writing, designing, and fine-tuning each element of the Center. Our amazing partners at Studio Eleven Fifty-Seven and 1913 Media went far beyond expectations—whether it was making last-minute design changes, pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines, or simply sharing in our excitement.
Every detail, from the interactive exhibits to the beautifully designed vinyl backdrops, was crafted with purpose: to make this space worthy of the people of Shelby County.
Who Makes This Possible?
The success of the Wallace Center and the Historical Society’s broader mission is only possible because of you—our donors, volunteers, and supporters.
We’re deeply grateful for every person who’s believed in the power of preserving local history and sharing it in meaningful, innovative ways. Your continued support keeps our doors open, our stories alive, and our community engaged.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a teacher seeking a meaningful field trip, or just someone passing through—we invite you to visit the Wallace Family Learning and Innovation Center. Come walk through the stories of our past and leave with a renewed hope for what’s possible in the future.
