The Wakarusa Historical Museums

The Wakarusa Historical Museums The Wakarusa Historical Society Inc. was organized by Larry Smith, Floyd Drake, Robert Ehret, Helen Klein and Jack Hess.

The goal was to obtain and restore the old Wakarusa depot that was built in 1892 and used for passenger service and freight. The first train through Wakarusa was in 1873 with passenger service ending around 1930. Norfolk and Western Railroad purchased the Wabash Railroad in 1964 and the depot was closed on May 15, 1975. On September 10, 1976 Norfolk and Western Railroad donated the depot and to th

e society. On December 1, 1976 Allied Mills donated the coal yard land across the street for the new location of the depot. Many hours of labor and money were donated to place the buildings here. In 1977, the Historical Society sponsored the Quasquicentennial (125 years) of Wakarusa. During the Quasquicentennial, letters were received from President Carter, Lt. Governor Robert Orr and Governor Otis Bowen. A proclamation was brought from Goshen to Wakarusa by the Pony Express on Horseback to formally announce the 125th year of Wakarusa. The Quadragumcentennial (140 years) was celebrated in 1992 and sponsored by The Historical Society.

The ladies from the Wakarusa Telephone Exchange are sending a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends a...
12/24/2025

The ladies from the Wakarusa Telephone Exchange are sending a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends and followers. Thank you for your continued support.

We are looking forward to the Nation's 250th and the Museum's 50th Museum Anniversary in 2026. Watch for upcoming news and events.

10/04/2025

Work is continuing in the Memories Exhibit space. What a change! Stay tuned..... more to come!

A sincere & heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who had a hand in the success of our 2025 Vintage Power Show! We w...
08/17/2025

A sincere & heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who had a hand in the success of our 2025 Vintage Power Show! We welcomed the Downtown Wakarusa Farmers Market this year, and we hope they'll join us for future events. We were also fortunate to share the wonderment of our museum against a backdrop of agricultural history. It was a memorable weekend, indeed!

We recently received a donation from a local family, as we were organizing the materials for accessioning..... I found t...
07/08/2025

We recently received a donation from a local family, as we were organizing the materials for accessioning..... I found this! With some research and asking some museum professionals, I was able to identify it.

It is a crocheted, wishbone thimble holder. Yes, that is a real chicken wishbone! A sign for "Good Luck" it was popular during the Victorian era. What a great peek at a ladie's leisure time project.

Newly refurbished! Looks great! Thanks goes to Ted, our awesome volunteer and board member!
06/18/2025

Newly refurbished! Looks great! Thanks goes to Ted, our awesome volunteer and board member!

We welcomed a curious school group from Goshen! They had really great questions!
05/27/2025

We welcomed a curious school group from Goshen! They had really great questions!

04/28/2025

A huge.. THANK YOU..to all of our wonderful volunteers, vendors and the great visitors that made their way to the Museum during the Maple Syrup Festival! We appreciate you all!

Address

403 Wabash Avenue
Wakarusa, IN
46573

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

(574) 862-4344

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Wakarusa Historical Museums posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category