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Explore the history of Elkhart, Indiana through two iconic house museums.

Special Announcements

Upcoming Closings or Special Hours:

POWER OUTAGE CLOSING JUNE 13, 2026.  
Ruthmere Mansion will be closed to the public for the entire day, June 13, 2026, due to storm power outages. THIS INCLUDES CANCELLATION OF COFFEE ON THE PIAZZA. The Havilah Beardsley House and Beardsley Discovery Center will still be open with regular hours of operation.

The Ruthmere Arts and History Campus will be closed on Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day. There will be no Coffee on the Piazza on this date.

Ruthmere Mansion will be closed on Sunday, July 5th due to Free Family Sunday at the Havilah Beardsley House.

Become a part of history with Elkhart County's 250th Oral History Project!


Learn More Here


Featured Events

Special Exhibit:

Faces of the Civil War




June 16 - July 16

at the Havilah Beardsley House


Learn More

Coffee on the Piazza



Every Saturday June-August

from 10 am - 12 pm


Learn More

Special Juneteenth

Lincoln Penny Story Hour

featuring Zanzer Anderson




Learn More or Register


Gallery Talk - 

175 Years of Railroads in Elkhart




Wednesday, July 1, 2026

at 11 am


Learn More or Register

Annual Ceramic Showcase

with the Northern Indiana Clay Alliance



Saturday, July 11 from 10 am - 3 pm

on the Ruthmere Quilt Garden Green


Learn More


Experience Matters

Welcome to Ruthmere

Ruthmere 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.

History

History 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.


Art

Art 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.


Architecture

The 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.


Like many things in Elkhart County, Ruthmere Museum is Well Crafted. 


Check out Ruthmere's blog,

House of History

 

Go To Blog

Do you want to stay informed on upcoming Ruthmere programs, events, and opportunities? Subscribe to our email list using the link below!

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Visiting Ruthmere Campus

Ruthmere 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.

ALL TOUR EXPERIENCES START AT THE BEARDSLEY DISCOVERY CENTER

Beardsley Discovery Center Address:

819 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514


Havilah Beardsley House Address: 
102 W Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514

Ruthmere Address/Mailing Address:
302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514

See the VISIT AND SHOP tab for more information.

Upcoming events

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(574)-264-0330

(888)-287-7696


The Beardsley Discovery Center

819 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514

Havilah Beardsley House:

102 W. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart, IN 46514

Ruthmere/Mailing Address:

302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514

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