Exhibits

Wedding traditions extending across cultures and throughout time are shared in this vibrant exhibit at The History Museum. Through engaging vignettes that feature photographs, gowns, jewelry, and more, Unveiled: Wedding Traditions showcases the museum’s Historic Clothing Collection as well as items on loan from the community’s diverse populations. The history and heritage of these unions provide an interesting glimpse of these traditions.

Through every woven fiber and twisted thread, fabric is uniquely suited to create a narrative, with every stitch connecting us to new stories and perspectives. The History Museum is proud to collaborate with Notre Dame International on an exhibit that showcases the University’s rich and vibrant fabric, and highlights stories on international education, research, and engagement worldwide.

Power, Production, and Pioneers: The St. Joseph River describes the many names given to the waterway in centuries past and tells how it prompted the naming of South Bend because the city was settled on the southern bend of the St. Joseph River. It also chronicles the river’s impact on the development of South Bend and Mishawaka is chronicled. Power, Production, and Pioneers: The St. Joseph River has been developed by The History Museum in collaboration with PBS Michiana—WNIT documentary’s “Then, Now and Always…The St. Joseph River Story.”

The impact of World War I on the city of South Bend is explored through the eyes of local industrialist J. D. Oliver. As the President of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works, J. D. saw the war influence not only his business but also his family, friends, and personal life. The exhibit chronicles the extraordinary lengths to which the Olivers answered the call to personal service in support of the war effort.

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

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was started in 1943 and was active until 1954.

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.