Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in
Cart ()


Public Programs

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

Upcoming Ruthmere events

  • Gallery Talk- The Nappenee 6: The Men Behind the Comics

    • 07 Jul 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 29
    Register

    Martha Owen, Heritage Collection Manager at the Evelyn Leham Culp Heritage Collection at the Nappanee Center, will present a Gallery Talk on "The Nappenee 6: The Men Behind the Comics" on Thursday, July 7th, at 11 am in Ruthmere's game room. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.
    Show details

  • Garden Series: "How Plants & Flowers Have Been Used Historically During Pandemics"

    • 09 Jul 2022
    • 2:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Greenhouse
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Join us for our first 2022 Ruthmere Garden Series, "How Plants and Flowers Have Been Used Historically During Pandemics" with Master Gardener, Gwen Ferland on Saturday, July 9th at 2pm at Ruthmere's Greenhouse.


    Show details

  • Ruthmere Bus Trip: Historic Crossings by Land and Sea

    • 15 Jul 2022
    • 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
    • Saugatuck and South Haven, Michigan
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    RESERVATIONS FOR THE HISTORIC CROSSINGS BUS TRIP ARE CURRENTLY FULL.  PLEASE CONSIDER REGISTERING ON THE WAITLIST.  IN CASE RESERVED SEATS ARE CANCELLED, WAITLIST RESERVATIONS WILL BE FILLED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.  

    Join Ruthmere this summer for our exclusive bus trip, "Historic Crossings by Land and Sea" hosted by
    Bill and Lori Firstenberger    !

    July 15 Schedule and Itinerary

    8am - Travelers begin to arrive at Ruthmere Parking Lot (First Presbyterian Church)
    8am-8:25am - Coffee Bar and Boarding Bus
    8:30am - Departure from Ruthmere
    10:10am - Arrive at Saugatuck and ride Chain Ferry
    10:25-11:15am - Free to explore Saugatuck
    11:20am - Seated for lunch at Coral Gables Restaurant
    12:20pm - Re-board Bus and depart for South Haven
    12:45pm - Arrive at South Haven/Michigan Maritime Museum
    1:15-2:50pm - Group A on Friends Good Will lake cruise, while Group B explores Michigan Maritime Museum/Town
    3:15-4:50pm -     Group B on Friends Good Will lake cruise, while Group A explores Michigan Maritime Museum/Town
    4:50pm - Re-Board Bus and depart for Elkhart. Depot gourmet dinner sandwiches aboard bus
    5:20pm - Bonus Stop at 12 Corners Winery for glass of wine and Celebratory Toast
    6:45pm - Arrive at Ruthmere

    This one-time event is a single day adventure through transportation and preservation history, but getting there is half the fun!  Learn about 27 historic routes of transport and/or points of geographic crossing as we journey in comfort aboard the Royal Excursion Rock Star Motorcoach to beautiful Saugatuck and South Haven, Michigan! Our stops there include:
    • An excursion on Lake Michigan aboard the Friends Good Will tall ship;
    • And a gourmet box dinner prepared by The Depot in South Haven!

    There may also be time to explore, shop, and take in the sights depending on weather and traveler's desire to walk.

    Cost is $200 for general tickets and a special $150 rate for LCT level Ruthmere Members and/or Ruthmere Champions. Seating is limited to 54 registrants, so don't wait to sign up!


    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- Please Remain Seated: The History of Bathrooms

    • 05 Aug 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 30
    Register

    Jennifer Johns, Curator, will present a Gallery Talk on "Please Remain Seated: The History of Bathrooms" on Friday, August 5th, at 11 am in Ruthmere's game room. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.



    Show details

  • Garden Series: "The Roots of Gardening at Ruthmere: Firsthand Accounts"

    • 06 Aug 2022
    • 2:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Greenhouse
    • 20
    Register

    Join us for our next Ruthmere Garden Series, - "The Roots of Gardening at Ruthmere: Firsthand Accounts" with Rusty Ritchie and Ron Wolschlager on Saturday, August 6th at 2pm at Ruthmere's Greenhouse. They will talk about their past experiences working on the Ruthmere gardens and the Beardsley family. This will be a Q & A and informal conversation.


    Show details

  • Movie Screening- "Seven Generation River"

    • 20 Aug 2022
    • 2:00 PM
    • Havilah Beardsley House
    • 28
    Register

    The documentary Seven Generation River will be shown at the Havilah Beardsley House on Saturday, August 20th at 2pm. This is a free event.


    "In a time of cultural turmoil, deep divisions between Americans, our environment–our natural resources–are caught in the crossfire. In an approach that blends the latest science with their traditional ways, infusing science with their cultural values, a small band of Native Americans nestled into the southwest corner of the Great Lakes might have the key to healing our divisions, healing nature, healing ourselves. They are the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians."

    This event is provided as part of the One State / One Story: World of Wonders initiative designed by Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Indiana State Library and Indiana Center for the Book. One State / One Story's purpose is to encourage Hoosiers to read and engage deeply with a book as part of a statewide conversation tied to Indiana Humanities’ current theme.


    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- Women and Poetry of the Early 1900s

    • 06 Sep 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 35
    Register

    Carolyn Bonanno, Communication Coordinator, will present a Gallery Talk on "Women and Poetry of the Early 1900s" on Tuesday, September 6th, at 11 am in Ruthmere's game room. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.



    Show details

  • 2022 Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition -Competitor Sign Up

    • 10 Sep 2022
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum is proud to announce the 2022 Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition. This competition seeks to discover the next piano virtuoso in the music world.

    RBB Piano Prize 2022 OFFICIAL RULES

    Preliminary Round: Deadline August 11, 2022

    Entrants for the Beardsley Competition are required to complete the Competition Registration Form and prepare a video audition, 8 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. 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 10, 2022
    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 13, 2022
    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. 


    Show details

  • Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Finals Competition - RUTHMERE CLOSED FOR TOURS ALL DAY

    • 10 Sep 2022
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Ruthmere
    • 35
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum is proud to announce the Annual Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Finals Competition on Saturday, September 10 in the Ruthmere Game Room. Ruthmere seeks to discover the next piano virtuoso in the music world. Come listen to our finalists compete for our panel of distinguished judges. Tickets are available to the general public for just $5 a person. Doors open at 11am. The competition will begin at Noon. Individual artist performance time are yet to be determined.

    Finalists will be announced at a later date.

    RUTHMERE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR NORMAL TOURS THIS ENTIRE DAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022.

    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.



    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- Steinway Pianos

    • 05 Oct 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 35
    Register

    Dale Seely, Ruthmere docent, will present a Gallery Talk entitled, "Steinway, Rubinstein and Ruthmere's Chance to Shine" on Wednesday, October 5th, at 11 am. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.


    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series - Sponsors and Season Tickets

    • 13 Oct 2022
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    Register

    The 2022 Ruthmere Fall Concert Season

    October 13 - Beardsley Piano Cup Winner
    October 27 - Ariadne Antipa

    November 10 - Jeff Barnhart & Bob Milne

    November 25 - Nicholoas Roth

    Sponsorship Levels

    Presenting Sponsor $1,500

    Concert Sponsor $1,000

    Season Sponsor $500

    Season Pass- Members Only $100


    NOTE: Sponsors receive both reserved seating and admission to the pre-concert  Artist's Preview Reception for each concert date.  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 Ticket holders receive reserved seating.

    For more information, or to make reservations call Ruthmere at 574-264-0330 ext. 104. 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.  

    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Winner

    • 13 Oct 2022
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 37
    Register

    Ruthmere Museum will have the winner of the Fifth Annual Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize kicking off the 2022 Ruthmere Fall Concert Series.

    Ticket pricing for the 2022 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $40 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $25 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $100 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. 104. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  The first three concerts are on a Thursday, and the last one, a Friday.

    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Ariadne Antipa

    • 27 Oct 2022
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 37
    Register


    Two-time Beardsley Piano Prize finalist Ariadne Antipa will be performing on Thursdy, November 12, 2020 at 7pm. She has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Michigan. Her teachers have included Natsuki Fukasawa, Richard Cionco, Lorna Peters, Rebecca Penneys, and Logan Skelton. She has received first place in numerous competitions and has appeared as a soloist with the Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra and the Central Valley Youth Symphony. Most recently, Ariadne was featured with the University of South Florida Wind Ensemble performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. In addition to sharing music on stage, Ariadne is passionate about sharing through teaching, and has recently completed one year on faculty with the New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy. This autumn, Ariadne begins her Doctorate in Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, studying with Dr. Ran Dank.

    Ticket pricing for the 2022 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $40 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $25 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $100 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. 104. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  The first three concerts are on a Thursday, and the last one, a Friday.

    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- American Shape Note Singing

    • 03 Nov 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 35
    Register

    Sam Sommers will present a Gallery Talk on, "American Shape Note Singing" on Thursday, November 3rd, at 11 am. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.


    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Jeff Barnhart & Bob Milne

    • 10 Nov 2022
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 34
    Register

    Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, ASCAP composer, educator and entertainer. Jeff began his professional career at age 14 playing and entertaining four nights a week in a restaurant in his home state of Connecticut. Here he began to learn the classic swing, jazz and ragtime repertoire of the early 20th century. The 21st century has found Jeff constantly appearing as a soloist and band pianist at parties, festivals, clubs and cruises throughout the world.  In addition, he has lead two bands in the UK: the Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band, and Jeff Barnhart’s British Band. In 2006, Jeff joined the roster of artists featured on the Arbors Records label, the most recent featuring jazz legends Bob Wilber and Bucky Pizzarelli. Jeff has recorded as both pianist and vocalist on over 120 full-length albums.  

    Bob Milne is considered to be the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world. He was filmed and documented for future generations in 2004 during three days of interviews at the Library of Congress, and was declared a National Treasure at the conclusion. A French horn player in High School, he went to the prestigious Eastman School of Music at the age of 17, and then became assistant First Horn in the Rochester Philharmonic at age 19. Playing in concert halls now since 1991, Mr. Milne plays worldwide every year. He teaches music history at various universities around the country, and is also the founder and director of the Frankenmuth Ragtime Festival in Michigan. 

    Ticket pricing for the 2022 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $40 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $25 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $100 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. 104. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  The first three concerts are on a Thursday, and the last one, a Friday.

    Show details

  • Fall Concert Series- Nicholas Roth

    • 25 Nov 2022
    • 7:00 PM
    • Ruthmere Game Room
    • 37
    Register

    Elkhart's favorite son Nicholas Roth will treat Ruthmere patrons with his annual "Black Friday Concert, " the Friday evening after Thanksgiving, what a way to celebrate the holiday!  Nicholas is Professor of Piano at Drake University. Don't miss Nicholas Roth for this exceptional performance!


    Ticket pricing for the 2022 Fall Concert Series is as follows: Single concert non-members $40 per seat. Single concert Ruthmere Members $25 per seat. Fall Season Pass for all four concerts with reserved seating is $100 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. 104. All concerts begin at 7pm and seating is limited on a first come, first seated basis.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  The first three concerts are on a Thursday, and the last one, a Friday.

    Show details

  • Gallery Talk- The American Department Store at the Turn of the Century

    • 02 Dec 2022
    • 11:00 AM
    • Ruthmere
    • 35
    Register

    Karen Nicholson, Ruthmere docent, will present a Gallery Talk on, "The American Department Store at the turn of the Century" on Friday, December 2nd, at 11 am. 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 sponsored by 1st Source Bank and are free and open to the public.


    Show details

(574)-264-0330

(888)-287-7696


302 E. Beardsley Ave.

Elkhart, IN 46514

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software