The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum is proud to bring you exciting programs and events. 

Event Sponsorship: If you or your business would like to sponsor an event for the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, contact Jamie Clemons, the Museum’s Director. (574) 457-3599 or email at director@syracusemuseum.org

Summer Events:

• Centennial Homes:

  Do you want to learn more about homes around the Syracuse area that are over 100 years old? Then plan to join us this summer for our Centennial Homes presentations! Ann Vanderford Garceau and centennial home owners will talk about the challenges and joys of owning and up-keeping some of these remarkable homes. If you have a lake area home that is +100 years old and would like to participate, please contact the museum for more information. All participants receive a plaque as a thank you for participating. Free!
  This program is funded by a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
  The programs dates for 2022:
  July 9: Seth Ward: A Centennial “VIP”
  August 13: W.E. “Ed” Long’s Chinese Gardens and Game House

• Youth History Club: June 2-August 4, 2022

  Do your children complain about being bored during the summer? The YHC 2021 was a tremendous hit! We learned about a different topic each week, including various historic and prehistoric games, grains grown locally, and products made from those grains.  The program is designed around grades 1-6, but is open to all age groups.
  Our guest teacher this year will be Cathy Draeger-Williams, an archaeologist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources–Department of Historic Preservation & Archaeology.  Cathy will be teaching us about archaeological digs and maybe we’ll throw some atlatl spears.  Hope to see you there! Free!
  The YHC 2022 schedule is now ready!  Each meeting will be held in the Celebration Hall and/or outside to allow more space for children and teachers.
  This program is funded by a grant from the Dekko Foundation.

Archaeology Month

• September is Indian Archaeology Month throughout the state. The museum makes an effort to bring a FREE, informational, and fun-filled event each year specifically for the state-wide event. This year’s scheduled dates are September 1-3, 2022. We strive to make the Saturday portion of our programming a family event, though children are welcome to all events. The Archaeology Month event is co-sponsored by Chautauqua-Wawasee.
  This program is funded in part by grants from the Dekko Foundation and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
  • Programs are:
    • September 1, 6:30-7:30pm: Mike Kissinger: Using Maps to Unlock the Past (1866-1903)
    • September 2, 6:30-7:30pm: Jim Hossler, : Reenacting Richard Stone’s Journal (1827-1860)
    • September 3, 9:00am-Noon: Held on the WACF property (weather permitting).
      • Jim Bickel & Michelle Edington: Bring your own artifact
      • Dan Lima: Tribute to the Eastern Woodland Natives
      • Dani Tippmann: Myaamia (Miami Native American) Plant Traditions
      • Joe Zdziebko: 1774 French Marine
      • Jeff Mesaros: Flintknapping demonstration
      • Jamie Clemons: Atlatl Weapon Demonstration

Fall/Spring Events

• Living History
  Join us as the Syracuse Elementary 4th grade students present a “Night At The Museum: A Living History” presentation. The participants present prominent historical figures from our community, including dressing as their characters. 
• We are working with the Wawasee School Corporation in scheduling our next event.

Educational Outreach Programs for Elementary School Classrooms:

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum has a mission of sharing local history with all members of the community – including school children! Our Educational Outreach Program aims to excite students about our town and county history through hands-on activities and interdisciplinary learning. All programs are tied to Indiana State Core Standards for Social Studies and can be tailored to emphasize specific learning objectives or topics at the request of classroom teachers.
Educational Outreach Programs are designed to be held in school classrooms or take place on site at the museum. Museum tours and scavenger hunts for children are also available by request. Most programs are free; donations are appreciated. Some program expansions may require a small fee per student for supply costs.
Education Outreach is funded by the Dekko Foundation and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

Check out the “Educator” tab and contact the museum to learn more and schedule your visit!