The Princess City

A Museum for Mishawaka

Hours and Admission

The Mishawaka Historical Museum is open to the public.

Hours:

Admission:

Volunteers Needed!

Looking for a new activity for 2025? Consider joining our talented team of volunteers! Have fun learning about Mishawaka's history and interacting with patrons at the museum. Want to learn more? Sign up here!

Mishawaka Historical Museum

Step back in time and learn about our Mishawaka heritage.

The Mishawaka Historical Museum, located at 121 South Main Street, offers a unique glimpse into the area’s past and teaches residents and visitors to the community about Mishawaka’s rich history, dating back to 1832.

The Mishawaka Historical Museum is a not-for-profit organization with an IRS 501(c)(3) status.  It is operated by a Board of Directors and its officers.  It is not affiliated with any agency of St. Joseph County or Mishawaka government.  It relies strictly on donations, memorials, and other fundraising to operate.

The museum is open to the public of all ages. School groups are also encouraged to schedule visits to the museum.

During hours of operation, please call the museum at (574) 217-8807. After hours, contact museum president Pete De Kever at (574) 258-4217.

The museum includes 1,500 sq. ft. of exhibits in the following areas:

Also featured in the museum is a working model train set and dozens of model train cars on display.

A rotating exhibit area currently tells the history of Mishawaka’s Tivoli Theater.

We also invite anyone with artifacts or photos that might help tell the story of Mishawaka to consider donating to the museum. If you have items to donate, you can contact us via our contact form.

Latest News

New Book: Lost Mishawaka
The South Bend Tribune has published an interview with Pete De Kever about his new book, Lost Mishawaka. The book explores local figures and events that shaped our community, once-familiar landmarks that have since vanished, and the industries that propelled our city from the past to the present day. You can watch the interview here.
Discovery Pass Destination
We are honored to be a destination with the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library's Discovery Pass program. WNIT produced a wonderful video that showcases all the historical and cultural experiences in town that library members can access for free. More information on the Discovery Pass program.
Round the Bend Now and Then Podcast
Matt Emery interviewed Pete De Kever about the museum on his Round the Bend Now and Then podcast. You can find this and other episodes on the Round The Bend website.
WVPE: Museums on Monday
WVPE 88.1 Elkhart/South Bend interviewed Pete De Kever on its Museums on Monday program. You can listen to the interview on the WVPE website.
WNDU ON MUSEUM OPENING
WNDU has featured Mishawaka Historical Museum in a story available here.
MUSEUM PREVIEW IN THE NEWS
A preview of the museum is now available on WSBT TV’s Website.
GRAND OPENING IN THE NEWS
Our grand opening event was featured in a story on WSBT TV’s Website.
MUSEUM PLANNING IN THE NEWS
We were featured in a story on WSBT TV’s Website. You can also access the video directly.
The South Bend Tribune has featured the Mishawaka Historical Museum and its progress in this article.
TAX-FREE STATUS GRANTED!
We received our notification that our application for IRS 501(c)(3) tax-free status was approved on December 13, 2016. This allows the museum to receive tax deductible donations, as allowed by IRS guidelines.
MUSEUM RENOVATION CONTINUES, OPENING IN 2022!
Renovation work on the museum’s future home is nearing completion, and we expect to be open in 2022! Please watch for the exciting details.
MUSEUM RECEIVES TOURISM CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT
The Mishawaka Historical Museum has received a $25,000 matching grant from the Tourism Capital Development Fund, operated by the South Bend Regional Chamber and Visit South Bend Mishawaka. This grant has provided vital assistance for our building renovation project.