You can now view and search our ever-growing photograph archives by visiting our Flickr Photostream. If you want a copy of any image you encounter in our photograph archive, jot down the photograph number (always starting with “PH”) and contact our Archivist at 574-235-9664, ext. 266 or
Since its founding in 1867, the Center for History has amassed an unparalleled collection of public and private records unique to the St. Joseph River Valley. These photographs and documents help document the history of local families, corporations, religious, cultural, social, civic and other organizations. They are made available to the community through such traditional medium as exhibits, programs and research, and are critical in helping the community know of its heritage. The Center for History’s Vincent Bendix Research Library’s archival collections include photographs, architectural drawings and blueprints, manuscripts, personal papers, ethnic/immigrant papers and documents, business/industrial papers and documents, advertising, locally published newspapers dating back to 1830, scrapbooks, military records, bound volumes, and audio, video and film footage. The Bendix Reading Room and Archives are open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are strongly recommended. Please call (574) 235-9664, ext. 266 or email
