As part of National Historic Preservation Month, The Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County is taking part in Downtown’s First Friday on May 4.

The Pearl Bryan murder was the most sensational crime of the gilded age and the roots are here in Greencastle. County Historian Larry Tippin will recount details from his extensive research for his forthcoming book on the 1896 scandal.

At a booth on the southeast side of Courthouse Square, photos and period effects  (some of which are being provided by the Bryan family) will be displayed, painting a backdrop for the drama.

Scheduled for 5:30pm and also at 6:30pm, Mr. Tippin will give a brief outline of the story, and then point out pivotal locations in the immediate neighborhood relating to Pearl’s tale on a short walk.

Learn what made a local shoe store, millinery shop and dentist’s office vital parts of the crime of the century. Find out the businesses once housed at the locations of Scoops and Moore’s Bar that also played a role in the story, and more.

Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County board member Larry Tippin has regaled audiences at the Putnam County Museum and the Roachdale Public Library with his indepth knowledge of the notorious Pearl Bryan case. His research has led to the creation of a book, soon to be issued by MT Publishers of Evansville.

After poring over literally thousands of pages of documents and court records, Mr. Tippin, who is also the Putnam County Historian, is now the reigning local expert on the 1896 drama.

While learning more about Pearl’s short life and the prominent family she hailed from, he reached out to her living relatives. They appreciated his scholarly interest, and in turn, have generously shared information.

In a downtown twist on the subject, Mr. Tippin will lead a series of walks and talks as he takes a tour back to the Greencastle of the Gilded Age.