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Hamilton County Remembers and Reflects on 100th Anniversary of D.C. Stephenson Trial

Updated: Apr 11

One hundred years ago, the stately Hamilton County Courthouse in Noblesville was the scene of the earth-shattering trial of D.C. Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan hate group, for his kidnapping and brutal sexual attack on 28-year-old Madge Oberholtzer that led to her death. Because of her deathbed courage and clarity, Oberholtzer ensured Stephenson’s conviction.


Across the county, numerous organizations are marking the anniversary year with educational and healing events. 


The Hamilton County Historical Society issued a statement regarding the purpose of the commemoration: “The Hamilton County Historical Society condemns the actions and beliefs of the KKK. One hundred years ago, a trial took place on our grounds, and thanks to the citizens of Hamilton County, a horrific hate organization was dismantled and lost its grip on Indiana. We are providing spaces for our current citizens not to celebrate, but to examine a difficult history and reflect on how far we have come in the last century and how much further we still need to go.”


Related events taking place in Hamilton County this year include the following.


Various Fridays from now until November

Hamilton County Historic Jail and Courthouse Guided Tours

See schedule and sign up here.


Tuesday, April 14, 6–8pm

Gal’s Guide Library: A Noble Act of Resilience

A Tribute to Madge: Empathy and Wisdom 100 Years Later

Noblesville Creates, 107 S. 8th Street, Noblesville

More info here.


Saturday, May 3, 1–2:30pm

Copper Z Creative Wellness: Processing Wellness Workshop

A Noble Act of Forgiveness

Noblesville Creates, 107 S. 8th Street, Noblesville

Register here.


Saturday, May 10, 11am–12:30pm

“Jurors in the Trial of D. C. Stephenson: The Process and the People,” 

presentation by Hamilton County Historian David Heighway

Hamilton County Historic Courthouse, Noblesville

Get free tickets here.


Saturday, July 12, 1–2:30pm

Copper Z Creative Wellness: Processing Wellness Workshop

A Noble Act of Service

Noblesville Creates, 107 S. 8th Street, Noblesville

Register here.


Exhibit throughout August; public reception August 1, 6–8pm

Processing 100 Years: Artists React to the Anniversary of the D.C. Stephenson Trial and the Death of Madge Oberholtzer

Noblesville Creates, 107 S. 8th Street, Noblesville


Saturday, August 9, 1–2:30pm

Copper Z Creative Wellness: Processing Wellness Workshop 

A Noble Act of Community

Noblesville Creates, 107 S. 8th Street, Noblesville

Register here.


Community Conversation: Exploring Our History

August; date and location to come


November 14–16

Persistent Destroyer: An Original One-Act Play in the Room Where It Happened

Hamilton County Historic Courthouse, Noblesville

Email info@noblesvillecreates.org for ticket information


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