Porter County Museum
Address
153 S. Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383
Contact
Phone: (219) 465-3595
About
Once the sheriff's residence and local jail, the Porter County Museum is now home to Northwest Indiana's largest collection of area history and treasures. Exhibits are displayed through- out the building and change often, because they're always finding new artifacts, every trip is a fresh adventure.
Amenities:
- Non-Smoking
- Eco/Outdoor Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Handicap Accessible
Events:
100 Years 100 Objects
Dates: January 01 - December 31, 2017Wed. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CT)
The Museum has been collecting artifacts for 100 years, since Indiana's Centennial Celebration in 1916, and this unique exhibit gives the public an inside look at 100 of the objects that make up the Museums varied Collection. As you view the collection you will also learn about how museums collect and care for artifacts.
Prehistoric Porter County
Dates: January 04 - December 30, 2017Wed. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CT)
In 1909, Porter County farmer Myron Benedict was plowing his field when he came across what appeared to be a massive tooth. It was harvest season, and the busy farmer threw the tooth in a corncrib and forgot all about it. In April of 1949, Benedict unearthed parts of a skeleton, teeth, and tusks of a mastodon (Mammut americanum) while plowing a portion of his property that had never been previously tilled. Digging for the mastodon bones was delayed till the fall of 1949 so that the soil could dry out and ease to work involved in recovery and preservation efforts. These artifacts and others are on display in the Prehistoric Porter County exhibit. Children are invited to do a little digging of their own, and visitors are asked to think about what they would do if they found a tooth in their backyard.
We Are Porter County Series
Dates: January 05 - November 02, 2017Wed. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CT)
"We are Porter County" will highlight the formation of the county from its founding in 1836 to present day. Held on the first Thursday of each month.
Broncho John Exhibit Unveiling & Program
Dates: August 01 - October 31, 20171:00 - 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Learn more about one of Porter County's most interesting citizens, Broncho John Sullivan. Broncho John Sullivan started off his career as a Native American scout in the West, before becoming involved in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show as a stunt performer. Broncho John ended up starting his own show and traveling throughout the United States. In addition to his Wild West show, Broncho John was involved with the Spanish American War, where he took care of the horses. He finally settled in Porter County, where, in 1949, Broncho John gave his collection to the museum in hopes that they would continue to educate the public about the historic West.
Making Her Place
Dates: August 01 - October 31, 20171:00 - 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Women's history i Porter County has been a silent story. In the past, women's histories, stories and accomplishments have not been recorded. Women have not had a voice. In American's history, women have fought for equality, demanding the right to own property, vote, and earn an equal wage. The have revised cultural stereotypes that told them what a women is and should be. They have made their place.
In the same way, Porter County women have spoken through their actions - they have marched, written, gathered in clubs, protested, learned, taught and inspired our communities to be better places. This exhibit highlights women who have made a place for themselves while inspiring others.
We Are Porter County Series
Dates: January 04 - December 06, 20185:30 p.m. (CT)
"We are Porter County" will highlight the formation of the county from its founding in 1836 to present day. Held on the first Thursday of each month.
