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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

  • Mother & Me Afternoon Tea

    • 29 Apr 2018
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 0
    • 41 registrants
    Join waitlist

    Celebrate Mom by bringing her to Ruthmere’s Mother and Me Afternoon Tea Party (proper English tea) on April 29th! The event will feature a high tea and a presentation on Victorian tea and etiquette. Adults $25, Students $10, Members $20. Reservations required with advance purchase or call 574-264-0330 ext. 104. Ages 4 and up. Don’t forget to dress up in your tea party finery!  



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  • Gallery Talk -Marble Greek Muses

    • 04 May 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Havilah Beardsley House
    Register

    Mark Doddington, Membership Coordinator, will present a Gallery Talk about the nine Greek Muses on Friday, May 4th at the Havilah Beardsley House at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 


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  • Heart City Heritage Series- Pokagon Potawatomi Green Architecture

    • 08 May 2018
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House

    The Potawatomi practiced green and sustainable construction long before it was a trend, building the earliest structures in northern Indiana and Southern Michigan using indigenous woods and barks. Learn about this heritage and its connection to later building practices adopted by Europeans and current Potawatomi structures. Pokagon tribal members Kevin Daugherty and architect Scott Winchester will be the presenting speakers.

    Hosted by Indiana Landmarks and Ruthmere, the Heart City Heritage Series explores the places and spaces of our shared heritage and examines the ways in which individuals and communities can help save these places important to Hoosiers. Attendees will hear from the experiences of preservation professionals and organizations, who will equip them with the knowledge they need to explore the past and preserve the places that connect us with these Indiana stories. The events are scheduled evenings from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at Havilah Beardsley House. Doors open at 5:30pm. Admission $10 (online) or $12 (at the door), $5 (online) or $7 (at the door) Indiana Landmark and Ruthmere members. Light refreshments will be served.

    Click link to purchase tickets.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heart-city-heritage-talks-tickets-44811277738


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  • 2018 Fischoff Soirée

    • 11 May 2018
    • 6:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 33
    Register

    1st Source Bank and Patron of the Arts Terry Trimmer are the proud presenters of the 2018 Fischoff Soirée to be held Friday, May 11, 2018, at 6pm in the Ruthmere Game Room.

    The Fischoff is the nation’s largest chamber music competition, which brings together young musicians from across the country and around the world. At the Ruthmere Soirée guests will enjoy refreshments when they arrive followed by 30-40 minutes of music from the ensemble’s competition repertoire. The musicians will also entertain questions from the audience about their music, their experiences and the journey that brought them to Fischoff. Tickets are $20. For more information on the Fischoff Soirée at Ruthmere call 574-264-0330 ext. 104 or email jjohns@ruthmere.org.


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  • Green House & Garden Workshop -"Upscale Container Gardening"

    • 12 May 2018
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    Register

    "Upscale Container Gardening", the last installment in our Green House & Garden Workshop series will be Saturday, Mary 12th at 2pm at Ruthmere. Learn how to use various containers of all shapes and sizes to plant and all about companion planting. Don't treat your soil like dirt!


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  • Coffee on the Piazza

    • 02 Jun 2018
    • 25 Aug 2018
    • 13 sessions
    • Ruthmere Grounds
    Register

    Ruthmere's popular Coffee on the Piazza series on Saturday mornings is all about fun and games.  Coffee on the Piazza on Saturday mornings is a time to S-L-O-W down, chill out with local talent, play a parlor game and soak up the rich environment that is the Ruthmere piazza, or as we like to call it "Elkhart's Front Porch."  From 10am-12pm every Saturday in June, July and August we will serve complimentary coffee and put out an array of entertaining parlor and board games courtesy of The Secret Door Games in downtown Elkhart.  

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  • Gallery Talk -The Hearths at the Havilah Beardsley House

    • 02 Jun 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Ruthmere
    Register

    Victoria Johnston, Outreach Curator, will present a Gallery Talk about hearths on Saturday, June 2nd at the Havilah Beardsley House at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 



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  • EOQ Cocktails- Liqueurs

    • 28 Jun 2018
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House
    Register

    June End of Quarter Cocktail party with Liqueurs. Admission for members and their guests is $10 per person; Bronze Patron members and higher get complimentary admissions to each EOQ event. We encourage Business Members to attend these events as a great networking opportunity!



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  • "Drive-In Fridays" -Cars, Cars, Cars

    • 29 Jun 2018
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Grounds
    Register

    Cool Rides.  Hot sounds.  Come relax on the Ruthmere grounds during "Drive-In Fridays" in 2018 the last Friday of June - August, 5-8PM. Cruise in with your own classic ride, or just come to check out some of the most beautiful cars on the planet.  Also tour the first floor of Ruthmere as part of your admission fee. Chill out to hot summer tunes while you enjoy a cold beverage (beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages served) and a selection of premium food trucks. Out of this world show cars will be on display on Ruthmere's front lawn during each "Drive-In Friday." Don't miss it!  Presenting sponsored is Kem Krest.

    See Indiana Historical Society Traveling Exhibit
    "Auto Indiana: History on Wheels"

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  • Gallery Talk -Conversation Chair

    • 03 Jul 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Ruthmere
    Register

    Bill Firstenberger, Executive Director, will present a Gallery Talk about conversation chairs on Tuesday, July 3rd at Ruthmere at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 


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  • Heart City Heritage Series- Hidden Gems of Indiana

    • 10 Jul 2018
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House

    Hidden Gems of Indiana – Find out about lesser known or "off the beaten path" historic places in Indiana, with a focus on locations in Elkhart and surrounding area. Deb Parcell, Community Preservation Specialist, Indiana Landmaks is the presenting speaker. 

    Hosted by Indiana Landmarks and Ruthmere, the Heart City Heritage Series explores the places and spaces of our shared heritage and examines the ways in which individuals and communities can help save these places important to Hoosiers. Attendees will hear from the experiences of preservation professionals and organizations, who will equip them with the knowledge they need to explore the past and preserve the places that connect us with these Indiana stories. The events are scheduled evenings from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at Havilah Beardsley House. Doors open at 5:30pm. Admission $10 (online) or $12 (at the door), $5 (online) or $7 (at the door) Indiana Landmark and Ruthmere members. Light refreshments will be served.

    Click link to purchase tickets.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heart-city-heritage-talks-tickets-44811278741


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  • "Drive-In Fridays" -Surfer Jams: Hawaiian Shirt Night

    • 27 Jul 2018
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Grounds
    Register

    Cool Rides.  Hot sounds.  Come relax on the Ruthmere grounds during "Drive-In Fridays" on July 27th, 5-8PM. Cruise in with your own classic ride, or just come to check out some of the most beautiful cars on the planet.  Also tour the first floor of Ruthmere as part of your admission fee. Chill out to hot summer tunes while you enjoy a cold beverage (beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages served) and a selection of premium food trucks. Out of this world show cars will be on display on Ruthmere's front lawn during each "Drive-In Friday." Don't miss it!  Presenting sponsored is Kem Krest.      

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

    • 01 Aug 2018
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum is proud to announce the First Annual Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition. In what is sure to become a new cherished Ruthmere tradition, Ruthmere seeks to discover the next piano virtuoso in the music world.

    Preliminary Round: Deadline August 1, 2018

    Entrants for the Beardsley Competition are required to complete the Competition Registration Form and prepare a video audition, 5 to 10 minutes long, showcasing two contrasting musical styles or time periods. Video submissions via YouTube links are preferred.  Up to 6 Finalists will be selected. There is no entry fee.

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

    Finals Round: Live Competition on September 15, 2018
    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.

    Grand Prize Winner’s Performance: October 11, 2018
    Competition Winner is required to perform for 15-20 minutes as part of the 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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  • Gallery Talk -Summer Kitchens

    • 01 Aug 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Havilah Beardsley House
    Register

    Jennifer Johns, Curator, will present a Gallery Talk about late 18th - early 19th century summer kitchens on Wednesday, August 1st at the Havilah Beardsley House at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 


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  • Summer Garden Tea

    • 12 Aug 2018
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 40
    • Nobody
    Register

    Join us for our first ever Summer Garden Tea on August 12th! A variety of Asian teas will be available for you to sample while enjoying tea food on Ruthmere's formal garden. Adults $25, Students $10, Members $20. Reservations required with advance purchase or call 574-264-0330 ext. 104. Ages 4 and up.   



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  • "Drive-In Fridays" -Grease is the Word: 1950s Drive-In

    • 31 Aug 2018
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Grounds
    Register

    Cool Rides.  Hot sounds.  Come relax on the Ruthmere grounds during "Drive-In Fridays" on August 31st, 5-8PM. Cruise in with your own classic ride, or just come to check out some of the most beautiful cars on the planet.  Also tour the first floor of Ruthmere as part of your admission fee. Chill out to hot summer tunes while you enjoy a cold beverage (beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages served) and a selection of premium food trucks. Out of this world show cars will be on display on Ruthmere's front lawn during each "Drive-In Friday." Don't miss it!  Presenting sponsored is Kem Krest.

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  • Gallery Talk- Rodin Sculptures

    • 06 Sep 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Ruthmere
    Register

    Marty Weber, Ruthmere docent, will present a Gallery Talk about on Rodin sculptures on Thursday, September 6th at Ruthmere at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 


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  • Heart City Heritage Series- The Indiana Album

    • 11 Sep 2018
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House

    Come see some of the historic photographs from the Elkhart area in the Indiana Album, a digital community album, and learn how to share and preserve your own photographic treasures. The nonprofit project borrows, scans, catalogs, and shares images of architecture, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, farms, urban life, houses, events, and interesting people at www.indianaalbum.com. Local history experts and photo-dating sleuths help date and identify mystery images via crowd sourcing through the project's social media outreach. After the talk, we’ll hold a scan-a-thon and add your images to the collection’s Facebook page. Speaker: Joan Hosteteler, Indiana Album Director

    Hosted by Indiana Landmarks and Ruthmere, the Heart City Heritage Series explores the places and spaces of our shared heritage and examines the ways in which individuals and communities can help save these places important to Hoosiers. Attendees will hear from the experiences of preservation professionals and organizations, who will equip them with the knowledge they need to explore the past and preserve the places that connect us with these Indiana stories. The events are scheduled evenings from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at Havilah Beardsley House. Doors open at 5:30pm. Admission $10 (online) or $12 (at the door), $5 (online) or $7 (at the door) Indiana Landmark and Ruthmere members. Light refreshments will be served.

    Click link to purchase tickets.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heart-city-heritage-talks-tickets-44811279744


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  • Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition

    • 15 Sep 2018
    • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 65
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum is proud to announce the First Annual Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition on Saturday, September 15 in the Ruthmere Game Room. In what is sure to become a new cherished Ruthmere tradition, Ruthmere seeks to discover the next piano virtuoso in the music world. Come listen to our six finalists compete for our panel of distinguished judges. Tickets are available to the general public for just $5 a person. The competition will begin at Noon. Individual artist performance time are yet to be determined.

    The Beardsley Cup, composed of sterling silver and manufactured in 1907 in London, resides in a new custom built display case with the names of the winners of the Beardsley Competition. Please contact Ruthmere Museum at (574) 264-0330 ext. 107 if you have any questions regarding the competition.



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  • Adopt-a-Pom Party

    • 27 Sep 2018
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    Register
    All Pom Parents are invited to attend free of charge the chic Adopt a Pom Party, to be
    held on Thursday, September 27th, 5-7pm.      

    The 2018 Ruthmere Adopt a Pom Party is going on the road!  We will start the evening at 5pm sharp with a quick tour of the Buck Moon Farm property located at 17929 CR 10, Bristol, owned for 40 years by Ruthmere Founding Director Robert Beardsley.  We will see first hand this beautiful farm hailed as one of the finest in Indiana.  Following the tour, we will regather less than a mile from Buck Moon Farm at Fruit Hills Winery and Orchard, located at 5503 SR 15, Bristol, for an evening of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres at this award-winning local winery.  While there, we'll learn more about Buck Moon Farm and the rich tradition of agriculture in the "Fruit Hills" area. 


    At the Pom Party, attendees can upgrade their Poms by purchasing any remaining available Poms or by participating in the “Premium Pom Auction.”      Ruthmere Poms make great gifts for that special someone who loves to support a worthy cause such as the preservation of historic architecture.

    Pom prices range $60-$1,000. Minimum contribution of $60 per individual or $100 per couple to attend the Pom Party. Purchase a more prestigious Pom and invite more guests to the party. Example: Adopt a $200 Pom and receive a Pom Party invitation for four people. Adopt a $500 Pom and reserve a private table for eight. Donations tax deductible within limits of the law.  If you mail a check, please make out to "Ruthmere" and place "Adopt a Pom" on the memo line.

    Pom Party event generously underwritten by the Robert B. Beardsley in honor of "Golden View," the highest point on Buck Moon Farm.  Ruthmere expresses its most sincere gratitude to current Buck Moon Farm owner Abby Thomas for her gracious offer to allow patrons to see this historic site on this special evening.
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  • Gallery Talk -Elkhart Railroads and the Beardsley Family Connection

    • 05 Oct 2018
    • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Register

    Steve Barton, docent, will present a Gallery Talk about on Elkhart Railroads and the Beardsley Family Connection on Friday, October 5th at the Havilah Beardsley House at 11am. Gallery Talks feature a twenty-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection or a person or event in local history. Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 


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  • Witches Brew Tea

    • 21 Oct 2018
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 40
    • Nobody
    Register

    Eye of Newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog- Adder's fork and blind- worm's sting, lizard's leg and howlet's wing. Spooked yet? Climb on your favorite broom and fly over to Ruthmere for our fall tea. Witches Brew Tea... if you dare! Adults $25, Students $10, Members $20. Reservations required with advance purchase or call 574-264-0330 ext. 104. Ages 4 and up.   



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  • Historic Cemetery Tour

    • 27 Oct 2018
    • 4:30 PM
    • Grace Lawn Cemetary
    • 39
    Register


    Grace Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place to many Beardsley family members, including Elizabeth, Albert and Ruth Beardsley. Come see the Beardsley family mausoleum and listen to local folklore and history, as we traverse the site where our ancestors now lie. Tour begins at 4:30pm on Saturday, October 27th (with rain date scheduled for Sunday, October 28th), and the tour will end inside the Beardsley Mausoleum at approximately 6:30pm. Paths will be lit, but please bring your own flashlight for safety purposes. Following the Historical Cemetery Tour will be the haunting Ghost Hunt at Grace Lawn for those 18 years and up. Space is extremely limited so sign up now. Members ($16 adult/$8 children; Non-members ($20 adult/$10 children). Contact vjohnston@rutheremere.org or call 574-264-0330 ext. 116 for more information. 


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  • Grace Lawn Ghost Hunt

    • 27 Oct 2018
    • 8:00 PM
    • 28 Oct 2018
    • 12:00 AM
    • Grace Lawn Cemetery
    • 23
    Register


    Ever wanted to go on a real Paranormal Investigation? Now's your chance. Ruthmere is hosting a genuine ghost hunt at Grace Lawn Cemetery, Saturday, October 27th, 8pm - Midnight, with a rain date of Sunday, Octover 28th. Join SPEAR (Stateline Paranormal Exploration and Research) for a scientific investigation. Learn how to use the tools of the trade! Space is strictly limited to 30 people. Must be 18 years or older to participate. The cost is $40 per person Each participant will receive an introduction packet and a copy of any evidence found. Check out the Historic Cemetery Tour, which precedes the hunt. Contact mdoddington@ruthmere.org or 574-264-0330 for more details. 




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  • Tea with Mrs. Claus

    • 02 Dec 2018
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 38
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Come celebrate the holiday season at Ruthmere at our Tea with Mrs. Claus. Come hear the secrets that only the wife of the 'jolly ole' elf ', himself would know. Make reservations early, she will only be here one day! (She will need to get back to help the old guy!) Come in your most festive attire and bring your lists, too! Adults $25, Students $10, Members $20. Reservations required with advance purchase or call 574-264-0330 ext. 104. Ages 4 and up.   


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(574)-264-0330

(888)-287-7696


302 E. Beardsley Ave.

Elkhart, IN 46514

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