John Galvin, Historic Madison, Inc.’s President Emeritus, passed away on October 16, 2024.  Funeral arrangements are being made by Morgan & Nay Funeral Center.  

John was a tireless and dedicated advocate for Madison, IN, and left an indelible mark on the community through his many accomplishments, including nearly 5 decades of service to Historic Madison, Inc.

John and Maureen Galvin managed and owned the Ohio Theater on Main Street from 1960 - 1994.  Galvin, as the owner of the Ohio Theater on Main Street, joined the board of Historic Madison in 1978 at the invitation of founders John and Ann Windle.  He credited the pair with “gradually and skillfully” converting him from a businessman into a  “preservationist for profit”.

From 1981 until 2010, Galvin served as the 2nd President of HMI and was President Emeritus from 2010 until his passing.  He took on the role of Executive Director from 1987 until his retirement in 2003.

Under Galvin’s leadership, HMI blossomed into an award-winning organization with a full-time professionally staffed office and a dedicated volunteer group of nearly 100.  During that time, the HMI real estate portfolio grew to 16 historic properties, including 3 churches.  By retirement, Galvin had transformed HMI from an organization barely able to sustain itself to a historic preservation organization of national prominence with an endowment of over $7 million.

His impacts far exceed our properties and can be seen all around Madison.  He received many awards for his hard work and dedication.  His legacy will surely live on in the lives he touched and the buildings he saved, but he will certainly be missed.