Traditions and Progress Italians in Northern Indiana

Italians began migrating to the St. Joseph River Valley in the 1880s, where many found jobs in local industries. Read More

A Bend in Time Podcast

The History Museum proudly presents “A Bend in Time,” a new podcast of curated histories of the greater South Bend area and hosted by Aaron Helman. Read More

Give to the Navarre Homestead Project

Help us bring the Navarre Cabin to The History Museum’s campus and create an immersive, educational experience where visitors can learn about pioneer life. Read More

Colfax: Speaker for Freedom

Visit our newest permanent exhibit. Read More

The History Museum

EXPLORE the world of dollhouses
Our new exhibit that opened June 22, 2024.
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EXPERIENCE local history
Come learn about the local history of the St. Joseph River Valley.
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GIVE to the Navarre Homestead Project!
Help us create an immersive, educational experience where visitors can learn about pioneer life.
DISCOVER the history of facial hair
What does Franz Josef have to do with growing a beard?
CELEBRATE 30 years with us!
November 8th marks the 30th anniversary of the day The History Museum opened
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LISTEN to our podcast
Listen in to our new podcast series number 2 is now online!
One-Room Schoolhouse
NEWS about Kidsfirst
Closed for a few days in April for cleaning.
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DONATE to our 2025 Annual Fund
Please consider donating to this year's Annual Fund.

Directions & Parking

The History Museum’s postal address is 808 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601. However, the main entrance to The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum is located on Thomas Street, which is between Washington Street & Western Avenue (one block south of Washington Street). If you are using a GPS or mobile device, enter 897 Thomas Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601. Free parking for visitors is located adjacent to the front entrance.

Museum Hours

The History Museum is open seven days a week, except for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Museum hours are Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (All times are Eastern Standard Time)

Tours of the Oliver Mansion and the Worker’s Home are guided, and they are limited in size. There are multiple stairs in both historic houses. House tours are offered Monday – Saturday, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Kidsfirst is open Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm

The History Museum Archives is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but appointments are preferred.

Looking for our neighbors at the Studebaker National Museum? Click here to visit their website.

Galleries

The History Museum has several exciting exhibits throughout the year. Our Changing Gallery, Leighton Gallery, and Carroll Gallery all feature changing exhibits. The Voyages Gallery is a permanent exhibit that chronicles the local history of the St. Joseph River Valley region. The History Museum also hosts the Ernestine M. Raclin Gallery, featuring history of the University of Notre Dame, and a changing exhibit on the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

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