Miami County Museum

Miami County Museum Step through the museum's door and visit Miami County's Historic past. The first object that meets your eyes is Cole Porter's 1955 Fleetwood Cadillac.

your immediate left is the history of CIRCUS in Miami County including THREE STAGECOACHES (one belonging to movie star legend, Tom Mix). Also, on the first floor you will enjoy exhibits of NATIVE AMERICANS, the HAL PHELPS ARCHIVES, and last, but not least the museum's GIFT SHOP. On the second floor, you will step back in time and visit Peru during the 1910 era which includes a ONE-ROOM SCHOOLROOM,

a CHURCH HISTORY EXHIBIT, a DENTAL OFFICE, VICTORIAN ERA ROOMS, SHOPS, a RAILROAD exhibit and other local businesses.

Senger Dry Goods during the 1913 flood. Visit the Miami County Museum to learn about the history of floods in Miami Coun...
08/14/2026

Senger Dry Goods during the 1913 flood. Visit the Miami County Museum to learn about the history of floods in Miami County and the construction of the Mississinewa Reservoir and Dam.

RIP Rosie the Riveter
07/30/2026

RIP Rosie the Riveter

It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Jeanne Gibson, our beloved Rosie the Riveter, has passed away today, July 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. With her passing, we don't simply mourn the loss of a beloved friend, we honor the life of an American hero whose courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit helped shape history, and will continue to inspire generations to come.🕊️🇺🇸

At just 18 years old, Jeanne left her home in Minnesota in the summer of 1944 and answered her nation's call, becoming a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. With determination and grit, she helped build destroyers that strengthened the Allied war effort during World War II. She later continued her service with the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska, embodying the resilience and patriotism of the Greatest Generation.

Yet Jeanne's legacy extended far beyond the war. She earned her Ph.D., dedicated three decades to teaching, earned her private pilot license, and spent the rest of her life proving that courage, determination, and purpose know no age.

In 2024, Jeanne and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest civilian honors, recognizing the extraordinary women whose sacrifices and determination helped secure victory during World War II.

To all of us at Pacific Historic Parks, Jeanne was far more than a Rosie, she was family. She traveled to Hawaiʻi time and again to share her remarkable story with visitors, inspire local students, and ensure that the sacrifices of the Home Front would never be forgotten. Her radiant smile, generous heart, and boundless enthusiasm touched every life she encountered.

She had a special gift for encouraging young girls, reminding them that no dream was too big and no obstacle too great. Through her words and her example, she inspired generations to believe in themselves and pursue lives of courage, service, and purpose.

Jeanne remained a tireless advocate for preserving the legacy of the Rosies, volunteering at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on "Rosie Fridays" and ensuring the stories of the women who helped win the war would continue to inspire future generations.

In one of life's poignant moments, just days before her passing, Jeanne was celebrated with a Wall of Honor banner at the park she loved so dearly and recognized during a San Jose Earthquakes halftime ceremony honoring Bay Area heroes. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was defined by selfless service, quiet strength, and extraordinary grace.

Though Jeanne has taken her final flight, her legacy will never fade. It lives on in every story she shared, every young person she inspired, every life she touched, and in the enduring example of courage she leaves behind.

Our hearts are with Jeanne's family, her fellow Rosies, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

Rest in peace, Jeanne Gibson.

Thank you for answering the call when your country needed you most. Thank you for showing generations what courage looks like. We will remember you always.

Our local Nineteenth Star DAR chapter created this wonderful exhibit that started out in our entrance windows and is now...
07/24/2026

Our local Nineteenth Star DAR chapter created this wonderful exhibit that started out in our entrance windows and is now located on the main stage on the first floor. We invite you to visit the museum and experience this wonderful exhibit! Our museum has 3 floors of rich Miami County, IN history. Our hours of operation are: Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-3pm. We run on a donation based admission. We hope to see you soon!

Shop the Miami County Museum's gift shop for your circus themed needs. Our mini USA flags are made in the USA and are pe...
07/16/2026

Shop the Miami County Museum's gift shop for your circus themed needs. Our mini USA flags are made in the USA and are perfect for Saturdays parade! We are open Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-3pm. May all you days be circus day!

Lots going on at the museum this week!
07/16/2026

Lots going on at the museum this week!

There is nothing like the smile of a satisfied visotor! Thank you so much for stopping Susy Porter and Cindy Lou Porter ...
07/11/2026

There is nothing like the smile of a satisfied visotor! Thank you so much for stopping Susy Porter and Cindy Lou Porter Merritt!!!

Make sure to visit the Miami County Museum during Circus City Festival week! We will be hosting the Circus Model Builder...
07/07/2026

Make sure to visit the Miami County Museum during Circus City Festival week! We will be hosting the Circus Model Builders of America July 16th-18th! As always, we do not have an admittance fee, though we do ask for donations. Our donation box is located at our front desk. We can't wait to see you!

06/27/2026

The Miami County Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of the USA's 250th anniversary.

It's Cole Porter Festival week! Visit the Miami County Museum to explore our comprehensive Cole Porter Exhibit and disco...
06/11/2026

It's Cole Porter Festival week! Visit the Miami County Museum to explore our comprehensive Cole Porter Exhibit and discover more about Miami County's rich history on our three floors of exhibits. Our special hours of operation for this week are as follows: Thursday from 9am to 4pm, Friday open to the public 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturday from 9am to 3pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Don't miss the Music at the Museum event featuring Zac Tschiniak and Samantha DeTurk on Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm. Be sure to stop by our gift shop during your visit. Cole Porter Festival

Address

51 N Broadway
Peru, IN
46970

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+17654739183

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