# The History Museum

> discover. experience. immerse

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## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://historymuseumsb.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Staff Member Emails](https://historymuseumsb.org/archives/3048)

## Pages

- [Home](https://historymuseumsb.org/): Established in 1867 and located in the heart of South Bend, Indiana, The History Museum educates and enlightens the public through its exhibits, guided tours...
- [Firsts in South Bend](https://historymuseumsb.org/firsts-in-south-bend): South Bend’s Firsts
- [Local History](https://historymuseumsb.org/local-history): Dive into Michiana local history to see how St. Joseph County and South Bend began, with sources from our research collection.
- [St. Joseph County Fast Facts](https://historymuseumsb.org/st-joseph-county-fast-facts): St. Joseph County Fast Facts Size of County457 square milesPopulation of County (2020)272,912FoundedThe county was organized on January 29, 1830 and became effective April 1, 1830. The county is named after the St. Joseph River, which runs through it. The St. Joseph River is named after Joseph, the husband of St. Mary, the mother of
- [Early St. Joseph County History](https://historymuseumsb.org/early-st-joseph-county-history): Early St. Joseph County History Before any European explorers set foot on the soil of the Old Northwest, Native Americans occupied the St. Joseph Valley; several tribes and early Native peoples lived along the St. Joseph River. Some of the earliest groups to occupy what would later become northern Indiana and southern Michigan were the
- [Early South Bend](https://historymuseumsb.org/early-south-bend): Early South Bend St. Joseph County was formally created in 1830 and began with four original townships. Lathrop Taylor and Alexis Coquillard plotted the town of South Bend in 1831. Most of the inhabitants of the town were tavern owners, merchants, or fur traders. South Bend’s population in 1831 was about 128 men, women, and
- [The Trail of Death](https://historymuseumsb.org/the-trail-of-death): In 1838, militia marched the Potawatomi out of Indiana to Kansas. One-fifth of the tribe died on the way. This is the Trail of Death.
- [Teachers](https://historymuseumsb.org/teachers): Teachers & Educators At The History Museum, we know that bringing history to life in the classroom takes more than a textbook. Since 1867, we’ve been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of the St. Joseph River Valley region, and we’re excited to share that legacy with the students and educators who will carry it
- [Membership](https://historymuseumsb.org/membership): Join The History Museum for unlimited admission, member discounts, special event invitations, and enriching experiences while supporting local history.
- [The First Settlers](https://historymuseumsb.org/the-first-settlers): Meet St. Joseph County, Indiana's first settlers—fur trader Pierre Navarre, South Bend founder Alexis Coquillard, and more on the First Settlers webpage.
- [Annual Gala](https://historymuseumsb.org/annual-gala): Experience The History Museum's Annual Gala, a memorable cocktail party set amid the fragrant gardens of the historic Oliver Mansion.
- [Plan Your Event](https://historymuseumsb.org/plan-your-event): Rent our Facility for your next event. The History Museum is the perfect location for your special events.
- [Planned Giving](https://historymuseumsb.org/planned-giving): Support the History Museum for generations with planned giving—bequests, life-income gifts, and donor-advised options that save on taxes.
- [Annual Fund](https://historymuseumsb.org/annual-fund): Your Annual Fund gift helps The History Museum care for collections, maintain facilities, and enrich community education.
- [Federal District Court History](https://historymuseumsb.org/millers-court-history): Explore the history of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana through judge-by-judge profiles by Hon. Robert L. Miller, Jr.
- [History Bricks](https://historymuseumsb.org/history-bricks): History Bricks History is important. And The History Museum believes that important dates should be saved for posterity. You can preserve family, business, and community history in many ways. One unique way is by inscribing special dates on a History Brick at The History Museum. History Bricks in the walkways of The History Museum commemorate business
- [Exhibit & Event Sponsorship](https://historymuseumsb.org/exhibit-event-sponsorship): Sponsor an exhibit or special event at The History Museum and invest in preserving history while helping share inspiring stories with the community.
- [Donate to the Navarre Homestead](https://historymuseumsb.org/donate-to-the-navarre-homestead): Donate to the Navarre Homestead Help Bring the Navarre Homestead to LifeThe Navarre Homestead stands as a connection to our shared history, heritage, and community values. By preserving this special place, we ensure that future generations can experience the stories, traditions, and lessons that have shaped our region. Your support helps protect this important landmark
- [The Navarre Cabin](https://historymuseumsb.org/the-navarre-cabin): Named for Pierre Navarre, the homestead is centered around the Navarre Cabin, the oldest home in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
- [African American Legacy Award](https://historymuseumsb.org/african-american-legacy-award): The African American Legacy Award celebrates African American history, leadership, achievement, and community impact in the region.
- [All American Girls Professional Baseball League](https://historymuseumsb.org/all-american-girls-professional-baseball-league): The History Museum preserves AAGPBL artifacts featured in “A League of Their Own.” Explore this landmark chapter in women’s history.
- [Donate to The History Museum's Collection](https://historymuseumsb.org/donate-to-the-history-museum-collection): The History Museum preserves 450,000+ artifacts that tell the story of the St. Joseph River Valley's history, culture, and heritage.
- [A Bend in Time Podcast](https://historymuseumsb.org/a-bend-in-time-podcast): The History Museum proudly presents “A Bend in Time,” a podcast of curated histories of the greater South Bend, Indiana, area, hosted by Aaron Helman.
- [African American Legacy Award FORM](https://historymuseumsb.org/african-american-legacy-award-form): Nomination Form for African American Legacy Award
- [Artifact for Research Request Form](https://historymuseumsb.org/artifact-for-research-request-form): Artifact for Research Request Form
- [Oliver Mansion](https://historymuseumsb.org/oliver-mansion): The Oliver Mansion was the home of industrialist Joseph Doty Oliver and his family. The home was built in 1895-1896 and tours are given twice daily.
- [Contact Us](https://historymuseumsb.org/contact-us): Contact The History Museum in South Bend for visitor information, directions, hours, admissions, events, and assistance planning your visit.
- [Museum Hours](https://historymuseumsb.org/museum-hours): View The History Museum hours, holiday closures, guided tour schedules, and visitor information to plan your visit to South Bend.
- [Plan Your Visit](https://historymuseumsb.org/plan-your-visit): Plan your visit to The History Museum in South Bend, featuring exhibits, guided mansion tours, visitor information, hours, and admission details.
- [Donate to the Museum](https://historymuseumsb.org/donate-to-the-museum): Support The History Museum with a donation to help preserve history, enhance exhibits, fund education programs, and inspire future generations.
- [The Worker's Home](https://historymuseumsb.org/the-workers-home): The Worker’s Home on the museum campus was transformed in 2023 and has reopened to the public, telling the story of the community’s African American population.
- [The Schuyler Colfax Collection](https://historymuseumsb.org/the-schuyler-colfax-collection): Explore the legacy of Schuyler Colfax Jr., South Bend’s most notable political figure, Vice President under Grant, and champion of the 13th Amendment.
- [Virtual Programs](https://historymuseumsb.org/virtual-programs): Virtual Programs Information coming soon, sorry, check back soon.
- [Current Exhibits2](https://historymuseumsb.org/current-exhibits2): Throughout the year, The History Museum presents several educational and exciting exhibits. Our exhibits deal with many local and national topics and themes.
- [About Us](https://historymuseumsb.org/about-us): Established in 1867, located in the heart of South Bend, The History Museum educates and enlightens the public through its exhibits, guided tours and much more!
- [Current Events](https://historymuseumsb.org/current-events): View all the upcoming events, special tours, and other educational opportunities offered by The History Museum.
- [Future Exhibits](https://historymuseumsb.org/future-exhibits): Future Exhibits Dearly Departed: Death, Mourning & RemembranceMarch 13, 2027 - January 30, 2028Changing GalleryFollowing a death, there are ways in which we grieve, honor, and remember those who have passed. The subsequent rituals and customs that follow death differ from person to peron, culture to culture, and have changed over the course of history.
- [Past Exhibits](https://historymuseumsb.org/past-exhibits): Past ExhibitsFreshwater Fury: Great Lakes ShipwrecksSeptember 6, 2025 - July 12, 2026Carroll GalleryIt has been 50 years since the Great Lakes freighter Edmund Fitzgerald vanished on Lake Superior, taking all 29 crew members with it on the night of November 10, 1975. The Great Lakes have claimed over 6,000 vessels and more than 30,000 lives
- [Museum Map](https://historymuseumsb.org/plan-your-visit/museum-map): Past Exhibits(Click the map for a larger format) Lower Level of the History Museum (Click the map for a larger format)
- [Admissions](https://historymuseumsb.org/admissions): On this page, you'll find the admission prices for entry to The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum. Remember: members are free!

## 3D FlipBook

- [2026-2027 Cabin Days Flyer](https://historymuseumsb.org/archives/3d-flip-book/2026-2027-cabin-days-flyer)
- [Miller's Court History](https://historymuseumsb.org/archives/3d-flip-book/millers-court-history)

## Venues

- [South Bend City Cemetery](https://historymuseumsb.org/venue/south-bend-city-cemetery)
- [The History Museum](https://historymuseumsb.org/venue/the-history-museum)

## Organizers

- [The Art League](https://historymuseumsb.org/organizer/the-art-league)

## Events

- [Gaslights and Granite Boulders](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/gaslights-and-granite-boulders): On this behind-the-scenes tour of the 38-room Oliver Mansion, led by Curator of Copshaholm Amber Gabel, you will explore the fascinating evolution of the historic home's technology. This specialty tour grants you rare access to the lower levels of both the Oliver Mansion and the carriage house, showing you firsthand the advanced engineering that brought
- [One Tiny Vote Book Reading](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/one-tiny-vote-book-reading): Join us just before voting season for a reading of One Tiny Vote, a children's picture book about the importance of having a voice. Written and illustrated by Maryn Arreguin, One Tiny Vote introduces elementary-aged children to concepts like civic engagement and being involved in their local communities. The book will be read aloud by
- [Annual Gala 2026](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/annual-gala-2026): The History Museum's Annual Gala 2026 will honor Carol and Spike Abernethy with the Susan & James Oliver Community Philanthropy Award. General donations to the Annual Gala can be made here.
- ["100 Things to Do in South Bend Before You Die" Lecture and Book Signing](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/100-things-to-do-in-south-bend-before-you-die-lecture-and-book-signing): Author Jane Simon Ammeson will talk about local travel and history at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, at The History Museum. She will sign copies of her recently-published book, 100 Things to Do in South Bend Before You Die, in which she lists the museum, featuring Copshaholm, the Worker’s Home, and the Navarre Cabin, as places not to miss when in the area. The presentation is free and includes self-guided tours
- [Insights in History - From Muskets to Homesteads](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-from-muskets-to-homesteads): The sounds of the American Revolution were never heard in Michiana, but the legacy of that struggle reached our region in a remarkable way. After helping forge a new nation, many Revolutionary War veterans journeyed west and made their homes in the Michiana area. Today, their final resting places can be found in local cemeteries,
- [Insights in History - The First Settlers of Indiana](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-the-first-settlers-of-indiana): In conjunction with our exhibit First Peoples, First Settlers: Indiana’s Interwoven Roots, Exhibits Coordinator Emily Demler will tell the story of the first European settlers to come to Indiana, focusing on influential figures like Pierre Navarre, Alexis Coquillard, and others. A tour of the exhibit will be offered after the talk. Tickets are $3/general; $1/members.
- [Insights in History - Christmastime During the Revolution](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-christmastime-during-the-revolution): In celebration of America250, Curator of Copshaholm, Amber Gabel, will describe what Christmas looked like during Revolutionary America. She will discuss how different religions and faiths celebrated Christmas during that time and old time Christmas traditions, such as decorating and gift-giving. A tour of the historic Oliver Mansion’s first floor, decorated for Christmas, will be
- [Insights in History - Pokégnek Bodéwadmik](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-pokegnek-bodewadmik): Professor John Low, Ph. D., will share the story of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi and their influences on southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana. From ancient times to the present and into the future, the Pokagon Potawatomi people have always relied on the power of storytelling to sustain themselves and their community. Tickets are
- [Mystery at the Mansion](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/mystery-at-the-mansion): Join us for a dramatic evening of intrigue and excitement at this year’s Mystery at the Mansion! Stars, Stripes, & Secrets is themed around America’s 250th anniversary and will ask you, the audience, to determine the criminal in possession of the stolen Bill of Rights! Near the end of the Civil War, Union soldiers stole
- [Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/concours-delegance-at-copshaholm): The Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm co-presented by The JBS Collection & LaVine Restorations is the premier celebration of automotive design and styling in northern Indiana. This tremendous two-day event is filled with programming for all ages and a selection of unique and rare vehicles of many marques. We hope you can join us! This year
- [Touch-a-Truck](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/touch-a-truck): Finish your summer with a big-wheeled adventure! Join us on Saturday, August 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as we turn our parking lot into a Touch-A-Truck extravaganza. Kids of all ages can get up close, climb inside, and explore a wide variety of their favorite vehicles in real-life! From fire trucks and ambulances
- [Armchair Tour of South Bend City Cemetery](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/armchair-tour-of-south-bend-city-cemetery): Want to take a cemetery tour, but have trouble walking, don't like the hot weather, or just don't like being in a cemetery? Well, here's your chance! Travis Childs, Archivist and St. Joseph County Historian will be conducting a seated tour of South Bend's oldest cemetery, City Cemetery. This takes place at The History Museum's
- [Insights in History - African American Cowboys (and Cowgirls!)](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-african-american-cowboys-and-cowgirls): Members of the Midwest Invitational Rodeo will bring over 100 years of wisdom and tell the story of the African American Cowboy. Third generation black cowboys (and cowgirls) will discuss their culture and heritage – and give a sneak peek of the rodeo that’s in town days later. See live demonstrations and more! Tickets are $3/general;
- [Insights in History - Meet the Barkers](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/insights-in-history-meet-the-barkers-from-past-to-present): Michele Gustin - Programs and Operations Manager, The Barker Mansion Discover the fascinating story of the Barker family — their rise in the railroad industry, their impact on Michigan City, and the legacy they left behind in the grandeur of The Barker Mansion. Insights in History is sponsored by
- [The Road to Here: The Ampy Family & The Underground Railroad](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/the-road-to-here-the-ampy-family-the-underground-railroad): Brother Sage Gillam and the Rev. Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors will present on the Ampy Family and the Underground Railroad. A history of 9 generations from Africa to the American Deep South, one family, but two routes north towards a better future. Once unknown to each other, Brother Sage and Rev. Dr. Nabors realized
- [Music in the Gardens](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/music-in-the-gardens): Enjoy a night of music, dance, and fun in The History Museum’s Historic Oliver Gardens! The Whistle Pigs take center stage at Music in the Gardens, performing classics from contemporary, classic rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues. The Landing will offer specialty summer dishes made to order and refreshing drinks at the bar. Combine all
- [South Bend City Cemetery Tour](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/south-bend-city-cemetery-tour): Take a twilight tour of South Bend's oldest cemetery and explore historic grave sites and grave markers. The tour is conducted by Travis Childs, Archivist and St. Joseph County Historian. Meet at the cemetery’s entrance. $2. No pets, please. The tour will not take place if weather is inclement.
- [Arts in Bloom Garden Walk 2026](https://historymuseumsb.org/event/arts-in-bloom-garden-walk-2026): Gardens of various designs on South Bend’s near West Side. Tickets $25 in advance (until 5pm, June 23rd) $30 at the door. Children under 12 are free.

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