The Johnson County Museum of History is housed in a former Masonic Temple building.  In 1919, Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 107 purchased a plot of land from Ida L. LaGrange for $4,500.  A year later, the Temple Building Association was formed to raise funds to construct a new temple.  On March 24, 1922, ground was broken for the structure.  The building is an example of Neo-Classical architecture designed by Clifford Shopbell, an Evansville architect with the firm of Shopbell, Fowler and Thole.  The building contractor was Roy C. Bryant, who was also involved with the construction at Franklin College and the Indiana Masonic Home.  The final cost of the building was $104,000. 

During its time as a Masonic Temple, the building was not only used by the Masons, but also as a type of community center.  Meetings, banquets, proms and even funerals have been held here.  During World War II, the Masonic Temple was headquarters for the local Red Cross.  Blood donations were taken and surgical dressings and kit bags were assembled within the building.

Many years later, the Masons moved into a new temple south of downtown Franklin and the building became vacant.  In July 1988, Johnson County Historical Society and Johnson County Government purchased the building with the intent to relocate the Johnson County Museum of History to the Temple building.  In 1989, the museum moved into the grand 30,000 square foot structure.  In 1991, the building underwent the first of 2 renovations and was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A second renovation project was begun in 2002 to make the building handicapped accessible and upgrade the building’s HVAC system.  In October 2004, the museum exhibits and library were reopened to the public.