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Beardsley Discovery Center


The Ruthmere Museum Campus recently acquired the building directly north of the Havilah Beardsley House, now referred to as the Beardsley Discovery Center. As a part of the original 1848 Havilah Beardsley farmstead, this building - which is believed to have been constructed in 1874 - was a natural addition to our historic properties.

We are in the process of raising funds to revitalize this property and improve our museum campus. Now is your chance to contribute to this incredible project!


BDC CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE - FEBRUARY, 2024

Project Budget = $1,437,505

Ruthmere Board Commitment = $400,000

Community Gifts and Pledges to Date = $399,082

Grant Awards to Date = $122,500

Remaining to Raise = 515,923*

Pending Grant Applications = $280,000*

*Pending grants are not assumed to be successfully raised funds, but we wish to be transparent with the public regarding all of our fundraising efforts.  

The Beardsley Discovery Center project has surfaced at just the right time to fulfill the needs of our community and ripen the fruits of Ruthmere Campus as we celebrate 50 years of museum service.

IMPROVING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The addition of the Beardsley Discovery Center will significantly improve visitor hospitality at Ruthmere Campus in a number of meaningful ways:

  • The ease of access from parking to point of entry is shortened

  • Greeting will now occur with a real person at the BDC info desk

  • Increased number of parking spots and improved traffic flow

  • Expanded gift shop space where guests can browse as they wait for tours

  • Visitor orientation message will improve dramatically 

  • Immediate proximity to greatly increase the tours and usage of the Havilah Beardsley House

INCREASING THE RUTHMERE CAMPUS' CAPACITY

  • Greatly increased ADA compliant space
  • Main gathering space will be used for a variety of flexible purposes: field trips, visitor orientation, special programs, catered events
  • Proximity to the Havilah Beardsley House will allow for the possibility of more large event use for both indoor and outdoor activities
  • Project includes improvements to an off-site storage facility

To make an online donation to the Beardsley Discovery Center, use the button below. Place "Beardsley Discovery Center" in the Comment box at the bottom of the page.  Thank you.

Donate Now

See our complete Case Statement below.  Use the left and right arrows to stop the rotation of slides. 

(574)-264-0330

(888)-287-7696


302 E. Beardsley Ave.

Elkhart, IN 46514

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