Exhibits

Manufacturing Victory, a joint exhibit by the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum, celebrates the steadfast response of our region’s manufacturers to America’s call during times of military conflict. Artifacts include vehicles, munitions, textiles, jet engines, and horse-drawn wagons. Highlighting the ingenuity of generations of workers, service members, and business leaders, the exhibit chronicles the area’s long and rich history of defense production from 1857 to present day.

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 History Museum is proud to collaborate with Shakespeare at Notre Dame on an exhibit that showcases the past, present, and future of Shakespearean performance, analysis, and culture at the University of Notre Dame. 

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.