Fairmount, Indiana, home to about 2,500 residents, sits roughly one hour north of Indianapolis.  The town keeps a deep local archive and a lineup of nationally recognized names.  The Fairmount Historical Museum cares for community history and displays the world's largest collection of James Dean personal belongings on loan from the Dean family.  Artifacts follow Dean from childhood through his career, including schoolwork, artwork, photographs, clothing, awards, film-related pieces, and two of his motorcycles.  Fairmount also celebrates cartoonist Jim Davis, who grew up on a nearby farm with many barn cats; the museum highlights his awards and Garfield.  Visitors can explore painter Olive Rush, another Fairmount tie who helped shape arts education in the Southwest.  The museum is run by a volunteer board and staff and welcomes donations in place of a fixed admission.  Review hours and directions on the Information page, browse gifts in the Shop, and open the Plan Your Visit page for parking, timing, and donations. 

What you will see inside

Start with the Dean galleries to understand how a small Indiana town shaped an actor who still draws travelers from around the world.  Cases combine intimate keepsakes with production materials so guests can place Dean's Fairmount years beside his Hollywood footprint.  The Jim Davis corner connects hometown roots to a global comic strip, showing how rural Indiana humor and observation became part of daily newspapers everywhere.  Olive Rush materials explain her Fairmount beginnings and her later murals and teaching, adding fine-art context beyond Hollywood and comics.  Rotating items and seasonal displays may change, so repeat visitors often spot something new.  When you are ready to explore events beyond the galleries, the Remembering James Dean Festival page lists the latest parade, car show, and vendor fair updates.  Museum supporters also keep the gift shop stocked with books, apparel, and collectibles that help fund exhibits and building care. 

James Dean, Actor

James Byron Dean was born February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana, to Mildred Marie (Wilson) and Winton A. Dean, a farmer turned dental technician. His mother died when Dean was nine, and he was subsequently raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle in Fairmount, Indiana.

Jim Davis, Garfield the Cat Creator

Jim Davis was born July 28, 1945 in Marion, Indiana, and raised on a small farm with his parents, James and Betty Davis, and his younger brother, Dave (Doc). Like most farms, the barnyard had its share of stray cats; about 25 at one time, by Jim's estimation. As a child, he suffered serious bouts with asthma and was often bedridden. Forced inside, away from regular farm chores, he whiled away the hours drawing pictures.
 Portrait photograph of artist Olive Rush

Olive Rush, Artist

Olive Rush (June 10, 1873 near Fairmount, Indiana, August 20, 1966 in Santa Fe, New Mexico) was an illustrator, muralist, and a noted pioneer in Native American art education.