Explore the history of Elkhart, Indiana through two iconic house museums.
Special Announcements
- The Havilah Beardsley House will be closed for tours from Saturday, October 1st through Monday, October 10th to allow time to reset following the close of our special exhibit. Ruthmere Museum will still be open during this time.
- The Ruthmere Museum Campus will be closed from 10am - 2pm on Wednesday, October 19th in honor of the late Arthur J. Decio's Celebration of Life. Tours will resume after the event for 2 and 3 pm.
Featured Events
Ruthmere's Special Summer Exhibit -
See You in the Funny Papers: Iconic Cartoons and Comics
July 1st - Sept 30th, 2022
at the Havilah Beardsley House
Historic Graveyard Trick or Treat Tour Saturday, October 8th from 6-8 pm at Grace Lawn Cemetery |
Fall Concert Series October 13 - Beardsley Piano Prize Winner, Jimmy Cheung October 27 - Ariadne Antipa November 10 - Jeff Barnhart & Bob Milne November 25 - Nicholas Roth |
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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 AND SHOP tab for more information. |
Upcoming events
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UPDATED VISITOR ETIQUETTE 4-1-2022
General rule is that face coverings are OPTIONAL for both staff and visitors at Ruthmere Campus sites. In accordance with CDC recommendations face masks are encouraged for indoor gatherings for the unvaccinated and people with compromised immunity. Prior to beginning every tour, Ruthmere staff and/or volunteers will address visitors' personal preference regarding their desire for docents to wear a mask or go without, and will respond accordingly. Proof of vaccination for Ruthmere staff and volunteers is kept confidentially on file.
Visitor Guidelines for Ruthmere Campus
Group tour size is a maximum of 8 visitors per group, plus the docent tour guide during normal hours of operation.Tours on normal days of operation will begin at the top of the hour.
Ruthmere staff reserve the right to issue a "tour rain check" for any visitor exhibiting obvious signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, etc. This decision rests at the discretion of the Ruthmere staff.
Advanced tour reservations for 8 or more are encouraged, otherwise open tour slots are filled on a first come, first served basis. You must arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour time to keep your tour reservation in force.