News and Events from 2014

New Item at the Museum! Flapper Dress
The museum recently acquired a new item that will be on display when the museum opens for the season, a wedding dress. The dress is a 1929 flapper style and was worn by Geneva Saxton when she married Lawrence Eberhardt.  Geneva was the great-great daughter of Ebenezer Saxton, one of Merrillville's earliest settlers.  Geneva (1909-1997) was born in Merrillville and lived her entire life here.  She was well known as "The Avon Lady" since she sold Avon products for over 50 years!

This dress was only worn on June 8, 1929 when Geneva Saxton married Lawrence Eberhardt in Merrillville, Indiana.
  • Happy Holidays and Member of the Year!
Hope all those that were able to attend the Member's Museum Party had a great time!  Here are some shots from the party.  
Additionally, we would like to recognize our 2014 Member of the Year, Ed Boer
  • 11/11 - Merrillville Veterans Day Ceremony 
Thanks to all those that were able to attend the Merrillville Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Merrillville Town Hall for the holiday.  It was great to see such a large and supportive turnout to honor and celebrate those that served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 
Pictured Speakers:
Top Left: Richard Hardaway
Top Right: Alice Smedstad
Bottom Left Randy Scott
Bottom Right: Lonnie Randolph
Picture
  • 9/15 - Special Presentation with Jack Kemp
Thank you to Jack Kemp for sharing your experiences as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War.  


Also pictured adjacent to Jack are fellow Vietnam veterans John Essex and Jim Hasse. 
  • 9/12 - Update to Status of the Old Mill
The NWI Times has updated its article concerning the status of the Old Mill at 73rd Ave and Madison St.

Click here to read the full article on the NWI Times website.
  • 9/8 - Interesting Article on the naming of some Merrillville Schools
NWI Times' Investigative Editor, Marc Chase, recently wrote an interesting article about the stories of some of the men with schools named after them.  Find the article here.
  • 9/06 - Education in region grit behind some school names by Marc Chase
NWI Times' Investigative Editor, Marc Chase, recently wrote an interesting article about the stories of some of the men with schools named after them.  Find the article here.
  • 8/11 - New Exhibit now Open!!
Come see our newest exhibit featuring the Y&W Drive-In Theater!  The Y&W Drive-In Theater operated from 1953 to 1998 along Broadway in Merrillville.  This new exhibit features photographs and items primarily from Alan and Linda Showalterbaugh.  


The exhibit's opening was recently featured in this NWI Times article.
  • 06/14 - Read our Article on 2013-14 NBA Coach of the Year, Gregg Popovich!
Gregg Popovich, has roots in Merrillville.  Read our new article on the coach to learn more!

  • 06/14 - BLAIRWALK UPDATE! 
We received the following email update from Jeff Blair of the Indiana Lincoln Highway Association regarding his recent work raising funds to aid both the Alzheimer's Association and Lincoln Highway Association.  (See pictures on our Recent Photos page)
    Just a short note to say a big Thank You for opening up your historical society, meeting with me and others, and helping make my walk across Indiana memorable.  I really do like what you all are doing there in Ross Township and Merrillville at the school, with signage, and more.  As always, if we can do anything to assist you, we sure will. 
   The walk took 11 days and was a bit cold at times, though I was able to dodge the rain for the most part.   We raised over $15,000 too so that part was good for both the Alzheimer’s Association and Lincoln Highway Association. 
All the best and thanks to your whole team!
    -Jeff Blair

  • 05/14 - Historic District Coming!
Early in 2014, the Merrillville Town Council created an Historic Preservation Commission to assistant and advise the establishment of an Historical District along 73rd Avenue.  Read more here.

  • 05/14 - Bruce Staehli - MIA Vietnam Soldier Not Forgotten
Bruce Staehli (Merrillville High School Class of 1967) has a permanent exhibit at the museum and was recently written about in a NWI Times article.  More information can be found in this article.

Merrillville History Museum