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Public Programs

Check out all of the opportunities for entertainment, learning, and family fun at Ruthmere for the year.

Upcoming Ruthmere events

  • 2024 Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition - Competitor Sign Up

    • 01 Jun 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • 24 Aug 2024
    • 11:59 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum is proud to announce the 2024 Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition. This competition seeks to discover the next piano virtuoso in the music world.

    RBB Piano Prize 2024 OFFICIAL RULES

    Preliminary Round: Deadline August 24, 2024 

    Entrants for the Beardsley Competition are required to complete the Competition Registration Form and prepare a video audition, 8 to 15 minutes long, showcasing two contrasting musical styles or time periods. Video submissions via YouTube links are preferred.  Up to 6 Finalists will be selected. Entry fee of $25 per competitor.

    Please email YouTube video auditions to mdoddington@ruthmere.org. Questions call 574-264-0330 ext. 107. 

    Finals Round: Live Competition on September 21, 2024
    Finalists will perform 15-20 minutes of music for the judging panel and the general public at the Ruthmere Game Room. Competition performances begin at Noon, with individual performance times yet to be determined. Tickets are available to the general public for just $5 per seat. Each finalist will receive $100. Second place receives $300, and Third place $200.

    Grand Prize Winner’s Performance: October 17, 2024
    Competition Winner is required to perform a full one-hour opening concert of the Ruthmere Fall Concert series at 7pm. Grand Prize winner will receive a cash award of $1,000 presented at the concert, and have his or her name displayed alongside the Beardsley Cup on permanent exhibit at Ruthmere. 


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  • Mousley Tea Party and Craft Day

    • 21 Jul 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Gardens
    • 31
    Register

    Put on your mouse ears - it's time for tea! Ruthmere is hosting a Mousley Tea Party & Craft Day event on Sunday, July 21 from 2-4 pm. Join us in the Ruthmere gardens (weather permitting) for snacks, crafts, and croquet. Indulge in cheesy delights (just as the Mousleys would), color pages right from our own Mousley Coloring & Activity book, and enjoy an afternoon of fun. If tea isn't your favorite, we will also have some delicious lemonade!



    This is not one of our regular high teas. The event will be catered toward children. Please only sign up for this tea if you intend to bring kids or grandkids who can enjoy the activities of the day. Please limit groups to 8 or fewer people.


    In the event of rain, the tea will take place indoors in Ruthmere's Game Room. 


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  • Fall Concert Series - Sponsors and Season Tickets

    • 01 Aug 2024
    • 29 Nov 2024
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    Registration is closed

    The 2024 Ruthmere Fall Concert Season

    October 17 - Winner of the 2024 Beardsley Piano Prize Competition
    October 24 - Clare Longendyke

    November 14 - Franklin Larey

    November 29 - Nicholas Roth

    Sponsorship Levels

    2024 Presenting Sponsor $6,000

    2024 Individual Concert Sponsor $1,000

    2024 Annual Sponsor $900

    Fall Season Sponsor $500

    Fall Season Pass- Members Only $80
    (Season Pass does not include Artist's Preview reception)


    NOTE: Sponsors receive both reserved seating and admission to the pre-concert Artist's Preview Reception for their attended concert.  This reception is held in the Robert Beardsley Arts Reference Library at 6pm and feature champagne toast  and an opportunity to meet the artist.

    Season Pass holders receive reserved seating.

    Season Pass holders and all Sponsors are offered free attendance at the Beardsley Prize Competition.  Seating first come, first served all afternoon. 

    For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 107. All concerts begin at 7pm and open seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis behind reserved seats.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  

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  • Gallery Talk- The Melodeon and Making Music in the Home

    • 07 Aug 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 32
    Register

    Brenda Tudor, Ruthmere Docent, will present a Gallery Talk on The Melodeon and Making Music in the Home, on Wednesday, August 7th at 11 am at Ruthmere.


    Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Our Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 

    This Gallery Talk is sponsored by Margaret & John Frechette and Brenda & Randall Johnson. 


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  • Lecture: "The Fabric of Faiths: How Headwear Makes Religion Real"

    • 08 Aug 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 45
    Register

    As part of our Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality exhibit, we are pleased to have John McCormack, PhD to present a lecture entitled, "The Fabric of Faiths: How Headwear Makes Religion Real."

    Hats are more than mere fashion statements. Constructing, embellishing, and wearing hats is an essential way in which a community's religious beliefs are brought to life. Looking closely at some remarkable objects in "The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality," Dr. John McCormack explores how they function in religious rituals, express the identity and spiritual aspirations of peoples, and bind together members of a community.


    John McCormack, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Religion and History at Aurora University. He specializes in the history of Christianity, religion and politics, world religions, and early Modern Europe, France, and Latin America. He earned his BA in History and MA in Religion from Yale University and both his MA and PhD in History from the University of Notre Dame.

    This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.


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  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 03 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 16
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


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  • Gallery Talk- The Lincoln Highway- Not Just a Blue Line

    • 05 Sep 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 38
    Register

    Joyce Chambers, Indiana Director of Lincoln Highway Association , will present a Gallery Talk on The Lincoln Highway -Not Just a Blue Line, on Thursday, September 5th at 11 am at Ruthmere.


    Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Our Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 

    Sp0nsored by Wade Mayberry

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  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 10 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 17 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 24 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • EOQ Cocktails -Bourbon Dream

    • 26 Sep 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 40
    Register

    Our September End of Quarter Cocktail party featuring the Bourbon Dream will be held in the Ruthmere Game Room, on Thursday, September 26th from 5-7pm. 


    Admission for members and their guests is $10 per person; Qualifying donors of  Ruthmere Forever at $100 or more and/or Program Sponsorship at any level get (2) free admissions; and Business members get (2) two free admissions.  EOQs are a great networking opportunity for Business Members!

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  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 01 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- Introduction to Birding

    • 04 Oct 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 39
    Register

    Melissa Gunter, Education Chair of the South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society, will present a Gallery Talk on Introduction to Birding, on Friday, October 4th at 11 am at Ruthmere.  She will talk about basic information about birds and  review the top most common birds found in our region. After the talk, guests may go outside with Melissa to identify birds around Ruthmere.


    Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Our Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 

    This talk is sponsored by Steve & Jean Barton. Thank you!


    Show details

  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 08 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 15 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Heart City Heritage -Great Landmarks of Indiana

    • 16 Oct 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House
    • 30
    Register

    Debra Parcell, Community Preservation Specialist at the Northern Regional Office of Indiana Landmarks, will be presenting a program about "Great Landmarks in Indiana", on Tuesday, October 16 at 6pm at the Havilah Beardsley House. Admission is $5 for Ruthmere and Indiana Landmarks members and $10 for non-members.  



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  • Fall Concert Series- Robert Beardsley Piano Prize Winner

    • 17 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 49
    Register


    Ruthmere Museum will have the winner of the Seventh Annual Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize, kicking off the 2024 Ruthmere Fall Concert Series which is sponsored by Wade Mayberry.

    Ticket pricing for the 2024 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $50 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $20 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $80 per seat (available ONLY to Ruthmere Members). Note: Non-member Fall Concert ticket price includes a 10-day trial membership. Ruthmere Fall Concerts are considered private party events. For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 107. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  

    Show details

  • Tuesday's Teas @ 2

    • 22 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 20
    Register

    Let your day slow down every Tuesday afternoon during September and October in Ruthmere's garden (unless inclement weather, it will be moved into the Game Room). Bring your own favorite tea cup, or borrow one of ours. Meet your friends, make new friends, or enjoy a quiet seat alone to read a book. Light tea foods will be served. Cost is $15 per person with very limited seating. 

    [Note that if the tea is moved indoors, the Ruthmere Game Room is NOT ADA Accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.]

    Registration and pre-payment REQUIRED and registration is only accepted up through the Saturday before each tea.


    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Clare Longendyke

    • 24 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 49
    Register


    Pianist, Clare Longendyke, will be performing on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7pm in Ruthmere's Game Room.

    A pianist with “an artistic ferocity that captivated and astonished listeners” (Waverly Newspapers), Clare Longendyke is a soloist, chamber musician, and musical innovator who performs with American orchestras and on recital series around the world. Recent highlights include performances of concertos by Mozart, Falla, Rachmaninoff, Florence Price, and Joan Tower with orchestras in Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, and Virginia, and the release of her debut solo CD in 2024, …of dreams unveiled featuring works of Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green.

    Ticket pricing for the 2024 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $50 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $20 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $80 per seat (available ONLY to Ruthmere Members). Note: Non-member Fall Concert ticket price includes a 10-day trial membership. Ruthmere Fall Concerts are considered private party events. For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 107. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.

    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Franklin Larey

    • 14 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 49
    Register


    Franklin Larey will be performing on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7pm in Ruthmere's Game Room.

    Hailed as a leading South African pianist of his generation, Dr. Franklin Larey is acclaimed for his performances of works by Brahms, Mozart, Scriabin and Ravel. As a scholar, Larey’s main research is in the area of Brahms studies, and specifically in the theoretical principles of developing variation and motivic unity which underpin Brahms’s compositional style.

    Ticket pricing for the 2024 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $50 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $20 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $80 per seat (available ONLY to Ruthmere Members). Note: Non-member Fall Concert ticket price includes a 10-day trial membership. Ruthmere Fall Concerts are considered private party events. For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 107. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.

    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Nicholas Roth

    • 29 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 49
    Register

    Nicholas Roth will be performing on Friday, November 29th at 7pm in Ruthmere's Game Room.

    Nicholas Roth began formal studies at age twelve, receiving critical acclaim for his appearances by the age of eighteen. He appeared as soloist with the St. Louis Symphony and the Indianapolis Symphony under Raymond Leppard, among many others. Roth is a featured performer and teacher throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. He is a Yamaha Artist, a Beethoven Fellow of the American Pianists Association, earned prizes in the chamber music competitions of Tortona and Pietra Ligure, Italy, and received a DAAD grant to further his studies in Germany.  

    Ticket pricing for the 2024 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $50 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $20 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $80 per seat (available ONLY to Ruthmere Members). Note: Non-member Fall Concert ticket price includes a 10-day trial membership. Ruthmere Fall Concerts are considered private party events. For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 107. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.

    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- Toys in the Attic

    • 04 Dec 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 39
    Register

    Cathy Ellsworth, Ruthmere Docent, will present a Gallery Talk on Toys in the Attic, on Wednesday, December 4th at 11 am at Ruthmere. She will discuss antique and vintage toys and the difference between them, as well as the toys children played with in the last 100 years. 


    Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Our Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 

    Show details

(574)-264-0330

(888)-287-7696


302 E. Beardsley Ave.

Elkhart, IN 46514

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