UE Receives Grant from Indiana Humanities to Preserve and Share the Legacy of Moores Hill College

Evansville, Ind. (01/21/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce it has received an Action Grant Subaward Agreement from Indiana Humanities to support the inspiring project, A Day in the Life at Moores Hill College. This initiative will breathe new life into the rich history of Moores Hill College, the institution that gave rise to UE as we know it today.

The story begins in 1854, when John C. Moore, a visionary resident of Moores Hill, Indiana - a small town west of Cincinnati - dreamed of creating a college for his community. Driven by his passion for education and the betterment of society, Moore's dream became a reality on February 10, 1854, with the drafting of the charter for the Moores Hill Male and Female Collegiate Institute. This remarkable institution was one of only five co-educational colleges in the United States at the time, and it opened its doors to students on September 9, 1856.

Over the years, the college evolved, officially becoming Moores Hill College in 1887. By 1917, its legacy was poised to expand even further. George Clifford, an Evansville businessman and future UE trustee, persuaded the Indiana Conference of the Methodist Church to relocate the college to Evansville. At that time, Evansville was the largest city in Indiana without an accredited college within 50 miles. Evansville residents raised an astounding $500,000 in just one week to bring the college to their city. In 1919, it reopened as Evansville College, eventually becoming the University of Evansville in 1967.

The A Day in the Life at Moores Hill College project invites UE students, local organizations, and high school students to delve into this vibrant history. Through UE's innovative ChangeLab program, participants will explore UE Library's archival collection archival collections to uncover stories of daily life at Moores Hill College. These findings will be transformed into public-facing narratives, ensuring that the rich history of the college is accessible to all.

Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative, with the Carnegie Historic Landmarks Preservation Society and South Dearborn County High School playing key roles. Together, they will foster educational engagement and cultivate a shared appreciation for Indiana's cultural heritage.

"This project represents the best of what we do at the University of Evansville-bringing history to life in a way that engages and educates the broader community," said Kristen Strandberg, PhD, Director of University Libraries. "We are excited to see our students uncover the stories of Moores Hill College and share them with new audiences."

Funded by Indiana Humanities and with matching funds from Carnegie Historic Landmarks Preservation Society and the UE Center for Innovation and change, this effort highlights UE's mission to transform lives and communities through education and storytelling. By connecting the past with the present, the project continues the legacy of Moores Hill College and showcases how the power of education can shape the world for generations to come.