The History Museum

About this activity

Did you know The History Museum stated out as the Northern Indiana Historical Society back in 1867, which makes it the second oldest historical society in the entire state of Indiana - that's pretty cool!

Today, you can visit this incredible building (and the building itself is a history lesson!) filled with photos, documents, manuscripts, records, newspapers and scrapbooks - all to tell the story of the St. Joseph River Valley Region.

This 38 room mansion has a number of historic buildings that you can explore, to really learn first hand what life would have been like in another time

The Worker's House can show you like as a Polish working class family in the 1930s, with a living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms to explore. Everything in the house can be touched too, which is the ultimate way for kids to learn!

You can hear stories of the Polish workers who immigrated to the USA, and even bring back memories for parents of a simpler life!

The Navarre Cabin is the oldest European structure in northern Indiana, so well worth a visit! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was built by the first permanent settler in the area - a fur trader. 

Then, there are the historic gardens, where you can explore 2.5 acres of beautiful landscaped colors and greens.

Within the mansion itself, you can explore what life would have been like for the Oliver family, and the 72 years they called it home. There are always changing exhibits too, so there will be always something to go back to!

A fascinating look back in time in Indiana!