Elkhart County - America250

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...

02/09/2026

It's already February! How are you marking the 250th? Learn more about what's happening across Indiana as we commemorate America 250. Check out the events and programs planned by our friends at the Indiana State Museum:

Join us for special programming, engaging family events and thought-provoking presentations that honor the foundational ideals.

12/23/2025

This is good news! Check out the series and tell your friends. It's well worth the time.

The free streaming window for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, the new six-part, 12-hour documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, will be extended until the end of the year, when the film will be available on PBS Passport and the “PBS Documentaries Prime Video ...

12/10/2025

As we look at the coming America 250 commemoration, we know that our lengthy (and complicated) history is one big cornucopia of anniversaries. We've been and will continue highlighting milestones on this page throughout 2026. To that end, we hope you will join with the The Lerner Theatre in celebrating its centennial!

As we approach the holidays in Downtown Elkhart, we are so grateful to be celebrating more than a century of live entertainment at the corner of Franklin and Main Streets. Since 1924, The Lerner has stood as a beacon of the arts, culture, and entertainment in the Elkhart community, and we want to celebrate with you!

Join us for the remainder of our Lerner 100 events through the end of this year!

Premier Arts The Gift: An Original Musical🎁
Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday December 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Free ticketed events - reserve your seats today at The Lerner Theatre Box Office or over the phone at 574-293-4469
Thank you to The Elkhart County CVB and Friends of The Lerner for making these events a true gift to the community!

The Lerner 100 Time Capsule Dedication 🕰
Sunday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Following the final performance of The Gift!
Thank you to The City of Elkhart, Elkhart County CVB, and Friends of The Lerner for their support in the development of the time capsule!
Reception made possible by Navarre Hospitality

The Lerner Loves You Free Movie Series: It's A Wonderful Life ❤️
Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 p.m.
Free movie and free popcorn for the first 300 guests!
Special appearance from Santa following the film
Thank you to the Elkhart County CVB - Experience Elkhart County, Indiana for supporting this amazing event!

12/05/2025

Another peek at what George Washington was up to 250 years ago (follow link for image information).
https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/revolutionary-war/250-years-ago-day -TODAY