Exhibits

Dollhouses have captivated us and been part of our culture for years. Decorating their interiors and designing their exteriors is just part of our fascination with these miniature houses. Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses chronicles their history from as far back as the 1700s, when some showed the wealth of European manors while others taught medieval children how to keep house. This exhibit showcases over 20 dollhouses, including Barbie’s Dream House, a handmade “Mouse Mansion,” a house built to teach fire safety and even the Studebaker family’s dollhouse!

We are grateful to our sponsors for their generous support:

Notre Dame Federal Credit Union

Melanie Sanchez-Jones & Steve Jones

Hayes Family Foundation

Aimee & Patrick Matthews

Mary Ann Matthews-Derda

Colleen Matthews Katranis

Schuyler Colfax is undoubtedly the most notable political figure in the history of the St. Joseph River Valley. In the year that commemorates the 200th anniversary of his 1823 birth, The History Museum proudly opened a new exhibit, Colfax: Speaker for Freedom. Colfax was an ardent abolitionist and is best known for his roles as Speaker of the House under Abraham Lincoln and Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant. He was instrumental in many political achievements, including the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Colfax was well-loved in his time, traveling across the U.S. as a much sought-after touring lecturer. His legacy lives on through the dozens of counties, cities, and streets named in his honor across the country. 

Items from the Oliver Mansion that aren’t normally seen on a house tour are on display in this permanent exhibit.

The AAGPBL was an all-female league started in 1943 by Chicago Cubs owner and chewing gum magnate Philip K. Wrigley. With teams throughout the Midwest, the league remained active until 1954. As the national repository for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, The History Museum is proud to tell the story that honors the legacy of these inspiring women who played baseball at the highest level.

Through seven rooms of life-like dioramas and interactive displays, Voyages tells the compelling story of the people of the St. Joseph River Valley.

This display of miniature lamps features over 250 items displayed in eight mirrored cases.