Programming for Community Members living with Dementia and their Care Partners
You are not alone! The Living with History program is free and available to anyone living with dementia and caring for those experiencing dementia. Our programs and activities are designed to encourage memory sharing, increase communication, and enhance daily life. Come join us and learn how the Monroe County History Center and the Living with History program can assist you!
The Living with History program, in collaboration with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Service of IU Health, is made possible by the support of a 2018 Community Impact grant award from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County Inc. In 2019, the Living with History program was the recipient of the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award from the Indiana Historical Society.
Memory Boxes
Our interactive Memory Boxes are themed boxes available for a one-week rental. A great way to spark conversations with a loved one or group, a Memory Box engages the senses while encouraging reminiscences. As the Living with History program continues, more boxes and themes will become available.
Memory Box Themes:
The 1960s
Memory Box Requests can be completed by following this link!
Please see dates below for any upcoming programs:
Memory Walks:
Memory Walks will be open to the public in 2022 every fourth Monday of the month.
| January 23 | February 27 | March 27 |
| April 24 | May 22 | June 26 |
| July 24 | August 28 | |
| October 23 | November 27 | December 18 |
Memory Lane Cafes:
Memory Lane Cafes are available to local community organizations and facilities upon request. Memory Lane Cafes hosted at the History Center will take place every three months.
Care Partner Trainings
The Monroe County History Center offers training workshops for friends and family care partners the center on 
objects, photographs, ephemera, and their associated stories housed at the Monroe County History Center. Care partners will learn what types of memory activities and resources are available and how to use them to communicate with people living with dementia.
Self-Guided Gallery Tours
Not able to make it for a Memory Walk or want to explore the exhibit galleries on your own? Our Self-Guided Gallery Tour is available at the welcome desk and online.