JPG - Heritage Partnership

Photo of planes being loaded with ammunition The JPG Heritage Partnership was established to help insure the full story is told about the creation, support and history of Jefferson Proving Ground and that present and future generations are reminded of the sacrifice and contributions rendered by ordinary people in support of our nation.

Background

Photo of cannon being shot Jefferson Proving Ground operated in the defense of our country from 1941 through 1995, when it was closed as a result of the end of the Cold war.

For over 50 years, this large Army munitions testing facility north of Madison, Indiana, helped to ensure that the armed forces of the Free World had ammunition that was both reliable and safe for the soldiers to use.

Photo of a man listening to a radio with a headset Military personnel stationed at JPG and area civilians working side-by-side played a vital role in achieving decisive victory in WWII and helped the U.S.A. sustain a strong leadership role in ensuing years.

The Story

There is a fascinating story associated with the history of JPG, one that few people fully comprehend.

It is the story of vanished communities and great personal sacrifice as 2,500 Hoosiers were forced to pack up and vacate their homes and farms.

It is the story of basic Midwest dedication and ingenuity as farmers and other civilians were trained to fire and maintain massive guns.

Photo of a boy and his dog It is the story of irony-a 55,000-acre time capsule containing great natural and cultural treasures, yet filled with unique danger.

The Partnership

The JPG Heritage Partnership was established to make sure the full story is told and that present and future generations are reminded of the sacrifice and contributions rendered by ordinary people in support of our nation.

Photo of men loading a cannon The partnership is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Currently it is a committee under the sponsorship of Historic Hoosier Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.

Our purpose is to gather and preserve oral histories, photographs, documents, and artifacts. We then share this information with the public through our web site. Our ultimate vision is a museum featuring interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations and displays of the equipment and weapons used at the proving ground. Photo of men inspecting rows of ammunition

Meetings are held monthly with locations rotating among Madison, Versailles, and North Vernon, Indiana.

If you worked at JPG or have a family history associated with the proving ground, we encourage you to contact us at (812) 273-2551. Send letters, photographs or memorabilia to JPG Heritage Partnership, 1540 Niblo Road, Madison, IN 47250.