Explore the history of Elkhart, Indiana through two iconic house museums.
RUTHMERE CAMPUS SCHEDULE AND VISITOR GUIDELINES
Ruthmere to Open on Flag Day! Balancing
expectations, hopes and responsibilities in the age of COVID-19 has
been a challenge for us all. In compliance with Indiana Back on
Track,
Ruthmere Campus will adhere to all Indiana COVID-19 executive order
components as they relate to the category of "museums and cultural
attractions." As such, we will remain CLOSED for public tours through
June 13, 2020. We will continue our free smartphone tours through
TourElkhart.org, and we will be extending our virtual program
series "Tea Time with Ruthmere" through the week leading up to opening.  Ruthmere will hold its 2020 Opening Day in grand fashion with a Special Flag Day Free Family Sunday from 1-4pm on June 14th (see Visitor Guidelines below). As part of our Patriotic Program Series, on that day every visitor will be given a small souvenir 50-star American flag, courtesy of our traditional program sponsor the Elkhart Rotary Club. This event will be held at Ruthmere Mansion only, while Havilah Beardsley House will remain closed for that weekend. Both Ruthmere Campus sites, Ruthmere Mansion and the Havilah Beardsley House, will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, June 16th, with additional operational safety
precautions in compliance with the Indiana Back on Track Stage 4. COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines for Ruthmere Campus: *Group tour sizes will be reduced to a maximum of 5 visitors per group, plus the docent tour guide during normal hours of operation. *All visitors and docent tour guides are required to wear face coverings while on tour. No exceptions. *No large tour groups, or group discounts are being offered until further notice. *Tours on normal days of operation will begin at the top of the hour. *Ruthmere
staff reserve the right to initiate a second tour per hour starting 30
minutes past the top of the hour if demand and resources allow. *Advanced
tour reservations are encouraged, otherwise open tour slots are filled
on a first come, first served basis. It is advisable for visitors to
arrive 10-15 minutes before their tour time so we may maintain a
consistent schedule. *For Free
Family Sunday events such as Opening Day on June 14th, a maximum of 5
visitors will be allowed in the door to start their tour experience
every 5 minutes. There will be a maximum capacity of 180 visitors for
this 3-hour Free Family Sunday event, which is roughly 50% normal
capacity. *Restroom facilities will not be available on Free Family Sundays. We
look forward with great anticipation to make this wait until June 14th
worthwhile. Until that date staff will be continuing virtual programs
and working to prepare our sites for all safety and security standards
ensuring the safest possible experience for our visitors once we open. Ruthmere's
Board of Directors and Staff appreciate the patience of our volunteers, members,
supporters, and visitors. We all are in this together. Bill Firstenberger Executive Director, Ruthmere Campus The following upcoming events are either postponed or cancelled until further notice:
If you have purchased tickets for any of these events, please call us at (574) 264-0330 (ext. 107) or email us at mdoddington@ruthmere.org for a refund or to transfer your purchase to a different event. We will continue to send out updates regarding postponed events or changes. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Executive Director Bill Firstenberger at (574) 264-0330 (ext. 105) or bfirstenberger@ruthmere.org. |
Featured Events
Virtual Programs: Tea Time with Ruthmere
Every Thursday at 2 pm on Facebook Live! Note, "Tea Time with Ruthmere" is not shown on our Upcoming Events list and no registration is required. Non-Facebook users can now view! Click the link to learn how. |
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Experience MattersWelcome to RuthmereRuthmere Campus comprises two historic properties that engage visitors with a unique experience of history, art and architecture. Whether you are taking a guided tour of Ruthmere Mansion or the historic Havilah Beardsley House, listening to a concert, participating in an educational program, or celebrating your nuptials with an unforgettable garden wedding, the experiences at Ruthmere are one of a kind and make a difference. |
Support Ruthmere |
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HistoryHistory is the heart of Ruthmere. Elkhart is here for a reason, and the history of the Beardsley family reveals the answer. Through archaeology and research relive the era of Elkhart's founding at the Havilah Beardsley House, or immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the historic mansion and gardens at Ruthmere. |
| ArchitectureThe built environment defines our cultural values and provides a sense of community identity. Explore the architecture of the community in an easy, interactive way with the TourElkhart Mobile Tour, or study art, architecture and gardens in depth at the Robert B. Beardsley Arts Reference Library. Nowhere is the importance of the built environment easier to discover than at Ruthmere. |
| ArtArt comes in many forms at Ruthmere. Part historic house museum, part world class art collection, part performing arts venue--such is the unique nature of Ruthmere. Explore the timeless questions "what is art and why is it important?" through cutting edge public programs, or simply immerse yourself with an awe-inspiring sensory experience. |
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Visiting Ruthmere CampusRuthmere Campus overlooks the confluence of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers, residing at the heart of the Beardsley Historic District Neighborhood, a nationally recognized site on the National Register of Historic Places. Ruthmere Address: Havilah Beardsley House Address: See the VISIT tab for more information. |
Upcoming events
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