Classical music concerts began at Ruthmere shortly after its completion in 1910 as private performances for friends and guests of Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley. Musical performances continued to be an important but less formal part of the Ruthmere experience with Arthur and Stella Beardsley and later the Deputy family.

That changed in the 1970s with establishment of Ruthmere as an historic house museum, and Founding Director Robert B. Beardsley's vision of Ruthmere serving as a community hub of arts and culture.  Robert purchased our beautiful 1955 Steinway Concert Grand Model D from Steinert & Sons in Boston because it carried the provenance of being Arthur Rubenstein's favorite practice piano.  Robert's vision to restore the piano and transport it to Ruthmere where it would serve as a "virtuoso magnet" has become a practical reality.  For the past 40 plus years Ruthmere has attracted exceptional talent to its 70 seat Game Room venue for intimate performances for an educated and appreciative audience.

In 2016 the Deputy family, the last private family to live in Ruthmere, donated their prized 1938 Baldwin Baby Grand so that audiences could experience a new range of creative performance experiences when combined with the Steinway.  Restored by Chupp Pianos, owner Dennis Chupp called the Deputy piano "the finest Baldwin piano I have ever touched, and I've worked on thousands." 

Come experience a Ruthmere concert for yourself, and you'll know why it is considered an exclusive Elkhart original.

2025 Presenting Sponsor for All Concerts -