Hamilton County Remembers and Reflects on 100th Anniversary of D.C. Stephenson Trial
- loricateshand
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
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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