Spike Abernethy is a sixth-generation South Bend resident and graduate of South Bend Central High School and Indiana University Bloomington. After a successful 45-year career in insurance and financial planning, he retired in 2020. A longtime community leader, Spike has chaired the boards of The History Museum, the Mental Health Association, the American Heart Association, the IU Alumni Association of St. Joseph County, and Mishawaka Marian High School. He has also been active with REAL Services, The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend Rotary, the IU Simon Cancer Center, and Clay Church.

Spike joined The History Museum’s board in 1984 and has served in many capacities through the years. In 1988, he was elected vice president as the Museum received the extraordinary gift of Copshaholm from the Oliver family. He became board president in 1990.

Carol Abernethy, a Purdue University graduate, founded and owned Interiors Etc. In Mishawaka from 1975 to 2015. A prominent leader in the Mishawaka business community, she chaired the Downtown Mishawaka Business Association for several years and was named Mishawaka Woman of the Year and a recipient of the South Bend Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. She also contributed her time to the School City of Mishawaka Education Foundation and the Friends of the Snite Museum of Art. She continues her love of antiques by operating a booth at Council Oak Antique Mall.

Carol became involved with The History Museum in the late 1980s through the Collections Committee and later spent nine years on the board. During that time, she organized antique shows and appraisal days as fundraisers and advised the Museum Gift Shop.

Spike shares his three daughters with Carol, and together they dote on their nine grandchildren. They are enjoying retirement by traveling, playing duplicate bridge, golfing, antiquing, and spending time at their Lake Michigan home in South Haven.