Researching the history of Goshen in preparation for the sesquicentennial celebration revealed a rich heritage that had not previously been recognized in a public, organized way. But that was about to change.
The people responsible for shaping the Goshen Historical Society were:
| Max Chiddister, Mayor | Paul Schlobohm | Janice Rasley |
| Tom Miller | Nelson Hershberger | John Stith |
| Robert Ehret | Linda Baker | John Huber |
| L.J. Martin | David Alfano | Sharon Holderman |
The Gardner house at the north west corner of Main Street and Madison Street was used temporarily to house artifacts collected during the celebration until the house had to be dismantled in 1987. The artifacts were then stored in the city’s Annex Building, out of sight.
In 1998, the Society bought a 99-year-old retail store at 124 South Main Street known as the Adams Store and transformed it into the Goshen Historical Museum. Finally the third mission statement could be realized!