Help Ruthmere celebrate 50 years as a museum with a Neighborhood Party!

On Saturday, April 1st, 2023, Ruthmere is hosting the first annual Beardsley Neighborhood Day! On our Opening Day for 2023, we invite our neighbors from throughout the Beardsley Historic District to visit the Quilt Garden Green to celebrate 50 years of Ruthmere Museum operations. Everyone is welcome to attend! This is a FREE event for both neighbors and the general public. 

GREAT FOOD will be available on a no-profit, cost basis at $10 for the FULL MEAL which includes Nelson's half chicken (or Moringa Tree vegan entree), chips, cookie and drink. Or you can buy just the 1/2 chicken or vegan entree for $5, and chips/cookie/drink for $5. (CASH ONLY). This is NOT a fundraiser, it's a FRIEND-RAISER! 

BIG FUN will be had by all as we invite neighborhood residents, Ruthmere members and the general public to mingle while exploring the Ruthmere grounds. A kids bounce house worthy of a mansion is provided by Sonora Party Rentals. Explore the arts by participating in with the engaging Pause and Paint activity or marvel at local Plein Air Artists on site. Ruthmere tours will begin at the top of the hour from 10am-3pm and will operate under normal admission rates on April 1. NOTE: the next day, Sunday, April 2 will be a Free Family Sunday at Ruthmere Mansion from 1-4pm.

LEARN about the importance and advantages of the National Register Beardsley Avenue Historic District, cultural attractions and parks within walking distance, local businesses, places of worship, and the great lifestyle to be found by living in the Beardsley Neighborhood. 

Participating partners include:
Sonoras Party Rental
Nelson's Catering and Fundraising
The Moringa Tree Organic Kitchen & Wellness Studio
Pause and Paint

Meet Neighbors & Representatives From:

- Ruthmere Museum

- Wellfield Botanic Gardens

- Elkhart City Parks

- Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region

- Elkhart Boys & Girls Club

- Indiana Landmarks

- Elkhart Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission

JA Elkhart BizTown

Elkhart Education Foundation

First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart

League of Women Voters Elkhart County

Elkhart Fair Housing

and more!

Schedule of Events:

- 10am-11am -- Beardsley Neighborhood Spring Cleanup Walk. Meet at Havilah Beardsley House, divide into teams and pick up light trash within the neighborhood for one hour. Coffee, gloves, trash bags and light trash haul away is provided free of charge to all who help.

- 11am-3pm  -- Get to Know Your Neighbors Party. Food/Info Tent, Kids Bounce House, Nelson's Golden Glow Chicken and a vegan option from Moringa Tree (food available for CASH ONLY and while supplies last--we are getting 600 half chickens). LOCATION will be at Ruthmere's Quilt Garden Green (immediately east of Ruthmere Mansion, parking at First Presbyterian Church).

 - 2pm -- Announcement of NEW Beardsley Neighborhood Curb Appeal Micro Grant Program beginning 2024.  Learn about goals and how to apply.

This is a rain/shine event.  Sponsored in part by:

The Bill Deputy Foundation 

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If you wish to contribute to the success of the Beardsley Neighborhood Day by becoming a financial sponsor, please contact Bill Firstenberger at bfirstenberger@ruthmere.org or (574) 264-0330 ext. 105. Read more about our program sponsorship opportunities here.