New pop-up exhibit and author talk on Putnam County Gunsmith and Luthier, William Vietor

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 8:08 PM

By Staff report

Putnam County Museum is pleased to welcome author Jeffrey J. Jaeger to give a talk on his latest book, William H. Vietor: Indiana Gunsmith and American Renaissance Man on Monday, November 16 at 7 p.m.

Refreshments will be served at the talk, and copies of Jaeger’s latest book will be available for purchase.

Jeffrey J. Jaeger has been researching Indiana gunsmiths since 1994. He is the author of John Small of Vincennes: Gunsmith on the Western Frontier and Indiana Gunmakers and Their Muzzle-Loading Longrifles, 1778-1900. He has lectured before the Kentucky Rifle Association, the Indiana Antique Arms Collectors Association, the Society of American Arms Collectors, the Grouseland Foundation, the Sons of the American Revolution, and more.

Jaeger’s latest book focuses on the life and work of William Vietor (1883-1968), who lived and worked in Reelsville with his family from 1933 until his death. He was a farmer and an extremely skilled craftsman who made violins, rifles, pistols, powder horns, and more. Because much of his work was completed for family, friends, and local marksmen, relatively few have entered the collectors’ market. “Those fortunate enough to own a Vietor firearm or violin have long recognized the exceptional quality of his craftsmanship,” says Jaeger.

Jaeger counts himself as one of these lucky few. He is the current owner of the Cooley Collection, which was collected over 60 years by Tom Cooley. Jaeger is graciously sharing and curating the collection for a pop-up display to accompany his talk, so that interested parties can view Vietor’s work up close. The exhibit will be open to the public from November 7-19 during regular museum hours.

Admission to the museum is free, always. Non-members are encouraged to consider making a donation to support the museum, and we encourage everyone to pick up a membership brochure on their next visit to learn about membership options and benefits. Putnam County Museum is located at 1105 North Jackson Street in Greencastle. It is open Monday-Friday from 10-4 and on Saturdays from 12-4.