Center for History

The Center for History’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit and teach the heritage of the St. Joseph River Valley region. First organized in 1867, the Center for History is the second oldest historical society in Indiana. The site includes:

• Copshaholm, the 38-room mansion that was once home to local industrialist J.D. Oliver
• Worker’s Home, reflecting a Polish immigrant family in the 1930s
• Changing Gallery, Leighton Gallery and Carroll Gallery, all featuring changing exhibits
• Voyages Gallery, chronicling local history of the St. Joseph River Valley region
• Ernestine M. Raclin Gallery, featuring history of the University of Notre Dame, including the legendary Knute Rockne
• Women Who Played Hard Ball: The Real League of Their Own
• Kidsfirst Children’s Museum
• Archives of local history, including the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
• Educational programs such as guided tours, lectures, film series, children’s programs, living history and historical theater

Accessibility

The Center for History’s exhibition galleries are barrier free. We regret that the historic houses (Copshaholm and the Worker’s Home) are not. Tours of both homes require climbing stairs. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the museum prior to your visit.

The Museums at Washington and Chapin

Adjacent to the Center for History is Studebaker National Museum and together, the two museums comprise The Museums at Washington and Chapin. Visitors can enter one door, buy one ticket and visit two fabulous museums.