I have always been intrigued by history — world, national, and local alike. So when the Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville hosted a local history fair last Saturday, it was an easy decision to spend part of the afternoon there.
There was much to see and much to hear. With the nation preparing to mark its 250th birthday in 2026, there was plenty to learn about the broader American story. But the real treasure was closer to home. People from all corners of Hamilton County had gathered to share the history of their own particular piece of it — the towns, families, churches, and settlements that, stitched together, make up the county we know today.
I decided to bring along my new iPhone and capture some video. Unfortunately, when you pair a man of my age with brand-new technology, bad things can happen.
I recorded what I thought was some fascinating video with folks from the Fishers Historical Society and the Hamilton County Historical Society. Both had wonderful stories and a wealth of information to share. Sadly, those interviews never made it past the technical difficulties — a lesson learned, and an apology owed.
I did, however, manage to successfully record an interview with Bryan Glover of Roberts Settlement, and it was well worth the trouble. Roberts Settlement is one of the county’s most remarkable chapters: a rural community in Jackson Township founded in the 1830s by free families of color who migrated north from North Carolina, seeking land they could own and a measure of safety in an unsettled time. By 1840 the settlement had grown to about ten families and some 900 acres; by the 1870s it numbered roughly 300 residents. Roberts Chapel, built in the community’s early years and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still stands — and every year since 1925, descendants have returned for an annual Homecoming. It is living history, and Hamilton County is fortunate to have it.
You will find a link to that interview below, along with links to learn more about Roberts Settlement and about the historical societies for Fishers and Hamilton County.
Our local area has a rich history. I would encourage you to go learn more about it. You may be surprised by what is sitting right in your own backyard.
Hamilton County Historical Society