The History Museum

08/30/2026

Our next Insights in History Speaker Series is this coming Wednesday, September 2! Register now at https://historymuseumsb.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F47998

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.

08/29/2026

We had a great time at Touch-A-Truck with the Studebaker National Museum today! Thank you to everyone who stopped by.

Touch-A-Truck is rolling until 1:30pm today. Come enjoy the big trucks, the Wienermobile, Cabin, and more!

08/28/2026

The first truck has arrived! Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Touch-a-Truck with the Studebaker National Museum, presented by Whiteford-Kenworth! Admission to both museums is free during Touch-a-Truck, so this is a great time to see our awesome exhibits as well!

Additionally, the new Navarre Homestead will be open to the public with live interpreters, activities, and demonstrations!

08/27/2026

Tickets are now on sale for our 2026 Annual Gala! You can purchase tickets or sponsor the event at https://historymuseumsb.app.neoncrm.com/forms/annual-gala-2026-registration-6077?event=6077&fbclid=IwY2xjawT8KKJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTJEajhiTkpERVcxV25WMkFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeY-CjqBaBkfyGx3LKoC92XgAHhfSR8h2AAv-3ACYR7kUELuW93v55dW1DNXM_aem_N6T5AwGOMDe1_ayuW765BA

The Gala is an elegant cocktail party which takes place under tent in the fragrant gardens of the Historic Oliver Mansion. Offering delectable hors d'oeuvres, The Gala is truly one of the best ways to catch up with old acquaintances - and meet new friends. It generates much needed funds to support the outstanding exhibits and programs presented by The History Museum all year long. Please join us in honoring community leaders, Carol & Spike Abernethy, at this year's event.

08/26/2026

Episode 8 of Series 7 of our podcast is out now! Listen at https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-txqt5-1b44c5b or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The final episode of Series 7 rounds up the milestones that turned a handful of cabins into a real town: Horatio Chapin's dry goods store, Sunday school, and stint as the town's first board president; the county's first sheriff, treasurer, and jail; the courthouse Peter Johnson built for $6,000; and the marriages, births, and everyday lives that filled in the town Coquillard and Taylor had platted.

08/25/2026

Today's America250 question is "Which American poet wrote "Paul Revere's Ride"?" Put your answers in the comments below!

For all things America250 at The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum, check out https://studebakermuseum.org/america-250/

08/23/2026

This past Friday, we had our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon! To all our volunteers, thank you. Your hard work and dedication make our work at The History Museum possible.

A special thank you to Shirley Armiento and Mary Ann Moran, who were awarded our Mildred E. Cook Docent of the Year award and our Lloyd S. Taylor Excellence in Volunteerism award respectively!

08/22/2026

For this Saturday's America250 trivia question, we have a cartoonish twist! "Who is credited for creating the famous Bugs Bunny and his catchphrase, "What's up, Doc?"" Put your answers in the comments below!

For all things America250 at The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum, check out https://studebakermuseum.org/america-250/

08/21/2026

Join us and the Studebaker National Museum next Saturday for Touch-a-Truck! For the first time ever, the new Navarre Homestead will be open to the public with live interpreters, activities, and demonstrations. Visit the Navarre Cabin and see what life was like during the earliest period of settlement in South Bend and learn about animals for fur trapping, beeswax candle making, weaving, frontier medicine, and pioneer games!

Admission is FREE and includes access to both Museums. We can’t wait to see you there!