Whitley County Historical Museum

Whitley County Historical Museum The museum is located in the adult home of Indiana Governor & Vice President Thomas Riley Marshall.

The Whitley County Historical Museum is housed in the Columbia City home of Thomas Riley Marshall, Indiana Governor and 28th Vice President of the United States. The Museum interprets not only the life of Thomas Marshall but also the great history of Whitley County and its peoples. The Museum complex consists of the Marshall House, an Annex, a Carriage House, and an Outhouse. Guided tours, detaile

d exhibits, and informative programming help bring Whitley County history to life for our visitors. The Whitley County Historical Museum works in conjunction with the Whitley County Historical Society. OUR MISSION: Here at the Whitley County Historical Museum, our mission is to instill in people an appreciation of the persons and events which have molded the Whitley County community; to collect, preserve, and offer historic artifacts and stories to the public through exhibits, publications, collaboration, research, and educational programs.

Young ladies serving as librarians at South Whitley High School in 1965 included, from left in front, Mrs. Wainer, head ...
06/01/2026

Young ladies serving as librarians at South Whitley High School in 1965 included, from left in front, Mrs. Wainer, head librarian, Monna Mishler, Cynthia Metzger and Nancy Wendel. Row two, from left, is Becky Shelton, Linda Snyder, Marsha Bowers, Lorraine Towards and Diane Patterson. Row three, from left, is Evelyn Wilfong, Judy Myers, Martha Kelly, Connie Melick, Kathy Ray and Jeanne Austin. Row four, from left, is Sally McNeal, Marcia Carroll, Shirley Swartz, Karen Kehler, Diane Bernarden and Sue Firestone.

With the popularity of vacationing at the lakes in Whitley County, many postcards were created for visitors to send to f...
05/29/2026

With the popularity of vacationing at the lakes in Whitley County, many postcards were created for visitors to send to friends and loved ones about their adventures here. This early 1900s postcard was created to promote the lakes near Churubusco, presumably Blue Lake. As is sometimes the case with some vintage postcards, it's unclear whether the image shown was actually Blue Lake -- or merely representative of a more generalized lake scene.

June being Baseball season....Mark your calendars and Join us Friday, June 12th as we welcome the Columbia City High Sc...
05/28/2026

June being Baseball season....Mark your calendars and Join us Friday, June 12th as we welcome the Columbia City High School Baseball teams of the 1960's under coaches Roger Tuggle and Dan Dorman here at the Whitley County Historical Museum in the Annex area of the Research & Education Center. We have the Champions of the Diamond exhibit going on celebrating their winning seasons and all of the players and coaching staff. Come on out and check out the exhibit, say hello to the players and coaches and hear some stories of the 60's seasons!

Members of the Whitko High School Men's Cross Country team in 1972 included, from left in front, is Jim Barnes, Randy Wa...
05/28/2026

Members of the Whitko High School Men's Cross Country team in 1972 included, from left in front, is Jim Barnes, Randy Walter, Tim Collier, Eric Speicher, Tim Woods, Rey Martinez and Brad Thompson. Row two, from left, is Coach Myers, Terry Day, Jim Woods, Pete Kubacki, Lee Neher, Duane Neher, Dan Adkins and Dennis Waybright.

A scene that is serene...this image appeared on a Tri Lakes Resort postcard from the early 1900s. The exact location is ...
05/27/2026

A scene that is serene...this image appeared on a Tri Lakes Resort postcard from the early 1900s. The exact location is unknown.

The latest episode of Whispers of the Past podcast just dropped! Check it out! And please shoot us over feedback. We tri...
05/26/2026

The latest episode of Whispers of the Past podcast just dropped! Check it out! And please shoot us over feedback. We tried some new settings in post production to smooth out the volume adjustments and such. Thanks so much for listening! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434452

In the spring of 1979, more than 250 reservations were confirmed for the Whitko High School Junior-Senior Prom. A dinner...
05/26/2026

In the spring of 1979, more than 250 reservations were confirmed for the Whitko High School Junior-Senior Prom. A dinner was held at The Lantern, a reception venue in Fort Wayne. After the dinner, the faculty and staff danced to the band "Sircus" until 11:30 p.m. By 1:30 a.m., many of the teens had returned to South Whitley where they got to watch the movie "The Wiz" at the Kent Theatre.
Do you recognize anyone here?

We've got the bunting for your decor!The City of Columbia City recently announced a special residential decorating conte...
05/25/2026

We've got the bunting for your decor!

The City of Columbia City recently announced a special residential decorating contest to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial birthday. Residents are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their homes with red, white, and blue decorations between now and June 7.

“The goal of this contest is for our residents to share in the celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” said Mayor Ryan Daniel. “The patriotic spirit is strong in our community, and this contest is one of many ways our city will celebrate the occasion.”

Like the annual holiday lighting contest hosted by the city, a team of judges will travel throughout the city from June 8th – 22nd to award the best decorated homes in each of the four city council districts, while also awarding an overall champion. The awards will be given at the Stars, Stripes and Symphony event on July 2 in downtown Columbia City. Residents are encouraged to decorate for day and nighttime viewing.

“We are excited to see the creative displays that show community and national pride in the weeks leading up to the America 250 celebration,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Romano, chair of the decorating contest. “We encourage residents to self-report to ensure the judges get to experience the hard work of every citizen!”

To self-report your home for the judges to see, email Jennifer Romano at [email protected]
For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 260-248-5111 or [email protected]

The Whitley County Historical Society is selling patriotic buntings for $10 a piece that residents can utilize to show their patriotism.

Just a reminder that we are CLOSED TODAY in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.
05/25/2026

Just a reminder that we are CLOSED TODAY in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.

HURRY! Write your letter for the TIME CAPSULE!As part of Whitley County's celebration of America's 250th anniversary, a ...
05/22/2026

HURRY! Write your letter for the TIME CAPSULE!
As part of Whitley County's celebration of America's 250th anniversary, a new time capsule is going to be buried on July 4, 2026, and we are looking for letters to fill the time capsule!
If you'd like to participate by writing a letter, please mail/deliver the letter to Whitley County Historical Museum by 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟐.
Only letters will be accepted, as all other items are prohibited.

Address

108 W Jefferson Street
Columbia City, IN
46725

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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