The Oldest History Museum In Indiana Has Been Around Since 1867
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published November 17, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Indiana’s most underrated museum is actually one the most historic in the state. The oldest history museum is in South Bend, and it is full of exhibits that preserve both local and national interests.
Whether you love architecture, vintage decor, or antiques, this museum will have something for you to enjoy. Check it out:
Simply named The History Museum, this magnificent center for discovery and learning has been preserving Indiana's past since 1867. It includes the Oliver Mansion and Worker's Home as well as a fabulous garden.
Tours of the home are guided and space is limited. Both permanent and changing galleries keep the museum fresh and exciting. The mansion itself has 38 rooms, including a dining room, library, study, kitchen, and bedrooms.
Other permanent exhibits include the history of the St. Joseph River valley, artifacts from an all-American women's baseball league from 1954, and a vintage lamp collection that features more than 250 miniature lamps.
This world of vintage wonders is a fabulous place to get lost for an hour or so. You'll even find a boutique shop selling Tiffany-inspired lamps, old-fashioned dolls, clothing, and home decor.
The Oliver Mansion is surrounded by a 2.5-acre garden that includes rose bushes, a pergola, a vintage tea house, a fountain, and a tennis lawn. These gardens are so magnificent that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The garden was designed in 1907 by an interior designer. It is a formal Italianate garden that staff strive to restore to its original beauty.
Past galleries and events have included fashion, film, and architecture studies. The museum has previously featured the history of the circus, 1960s clothing trends, and many local points of interest that have an interesting past.
Indiana's oldest history museum is open daily, other than major holidays. Stop by Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, and $6 for kids between the ages of 6 and 17.
The History Museum is located at 808 W Washington St., South Bend, IN 46601, and you can get further information on its website or Facebook page.
This place has an amazing museum next door you’ll want to check out too. Learn more about it here.
If you’ve ever been to the oldest history museum in Indiana, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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