Elkhart County - America250

08/14/2026

Held over through the end August - Don't miss Symbols of Freedom. This excellent exhibition at the Midwest Museum of American Art is full of compelling works and important messages tied to America 250. https://www.midwestmuseum.org/symbols-of-freedom/

07/08/2026

July 8, 1776 was a big day for the Declaration of Independence.

July 4, 1776 is forever etched into our Nation's timeline, but did you know that the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public on July 8, 1776? The image here is a drawing by E.A. Abbey of John Nixon reading the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall - learn more at: https://civicsforlife.org/first-public-reading-of-the-declaration-of-independence/ Read the Declaration here: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript And check out this Declaration Timeline on the Independence Hall NPS website.
https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/resources-declarationofindependence.htm

07/05/2026

Today, the United States of America is 250 years old - an enormous milestone for our country. But it makes us wonder... if Indiana didn't exist as a state yet in 1776, what exactly did it look like?

This 1776 map from the Library of Congress called "An Accurate map of the present seat of war between Great-Britain and her colonies in North America" gives us a glimpse into how this territory was charted out 250 years ago (by the British), including the indigenous groups that lived in the area. Obviously, mapmaking at the time was not perfect, and we understand the geographical layout of the Great Lakes region much better now - but it's fascinating to note that we can still recognize the area from the shapes they mapped out.

What stands out to you? How does this map differ from a map of this region today?

To see the entire map and others from this collection, visit https://www.loc.gov/item/gm71005459/

07/04/2026

Today’s the big day, but the spirit of the 250th began in all of us centuries ago and will continue far into the future. Have a fun, safe weekend! https://america250.org

America’s Block PartyAmerica’s Block PartyWe’re creating the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history. Join us on July 4!Watch LIVE!LA Benefit Show Tickets

06/22/2026

In the lead up to the big 250th, head down to Elkhart's Island Park next Tuesday evening, June 30, for a talk by Logan York, THPO for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Have you ever wondered what our area's oldest stories are?

Hear one of them next week! Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, joins us at Island Park to recount the Miami people's earliest story - their origin story - and discuss its enduring significance today. Bring your camp chairs and listen in!

The program takes place Tuesday, June 30th, at 7:00pm, at the Island Park Bandstand in Elkhart. Free admission.

Thanks to Elkhart Parks & Recreation for partnering with us on this event! Visit our website for more information: https://elkhartcountyparks.org/events/the-miami-origin-story-6-30-26/

06/12/2026

We're now under a month from the big 250th!! Be part of the Elkhart County - America250 Committee's legacy project and record an oral history. To record in person, plan to attend one of our 3 remaining partner open houses. The next one is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13, 10am-12 noon, at the ECHM. Reflections also can be recorded on your own and submitted via email. For more details, ideas for recording topics, and other on-site recording opportunities, visit the 250th Oral History project at: https://ruthmere.org/250th-Oral-History-Project

05/08/2026

Great News! Thanks to Ken Burns and PBS for making "The American Revolution" available streaming at no cost from Memorial Day through Sunday, July 12. If you haven't seen it already. take this chance to experience the film, and share with others. PBS Michiana - WNIT

Thirteen colonies unite in rebellion, win their independence, and found the United States. Stream the full documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

04/08/2026

Be a part of Elkhart County's America 250 legacy. Share your reflections on the anniversary through our newly-launched Oral History Project. See the post from Ruthmere Museum for details.

We want YOU to become part of history. Yes, you!

We are excited to announce the Elkhart County 250th Oral History Project, a collaborative venture to record the voice of the people in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Stories are priceless things, and this is the perfect time to collect stories and reflections from all American people.

It's as simple as making a recording on your phone and emailing it (along with your name and contact info) to [email protected]. We have interview prompts and more details at Ruthmere.org/250th-oral-history-project.

If you would like help recording or interviewing, we will have four recording open houses in June at the Goshen Historical Society (6/6), Elkhart County History Museum (6/13), our own Beardsley Discovery Center (6/15), and the Nappanee Center (6/17).

Send your recordings anytime and make your mark on history!

03/27/2026

Looking for a good America 250 read? Our friend George Hanlin from Indiana Humanities shared some great suggestions from his own library...