FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 10, 2026

South Bend, IN — April 11, 2026  —A new joint exhibition at the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum kicks off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on the Museum Campus.

Opening April 11, 2026, Moments That Made US invites visitors to explore the defining experiences that shaped South Bend and how those moments connect to the broader American story. As part of the nationwide America250 commemoration, this collaborative exhibition marks the beginning of an ambitious slate of programs, exhibitions, and events that will unfold throughout 2026 and into early 2027.

Content has been created by The History Museum and Studebaker teams using a framework developed by History Colorado for nationwide use, connecting local stories to the founding ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Themes such as Created Equal, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, and Consent of the Governed provide a framework for understanding how individuals and communities—including those in South Bend—have shaped the nation across generations.

While Moments That Made US anchors the celebration, it is just the beginning. Throughout the year, visitors can look forward to a dynamic lineup of experiences across the Museum Campus, including:

  • A June lecture by historian Ryan L. Cole exploring the legacy of Lafayette, alongside the display of the Marquis de Lafayette’s carriage
  • American Treasures, an interactive audio tour of nationally significant artifacts with local connections
  • First Peoples, First Settlers: Indiana’s Interwoven Roots, examining early exploration and cultural exchange in the St. Joseph River Valley
  • Motor City, Indiana, highlighting the region’s pioneering role in America’s automotive industry
  • Revolution on the Frontier, uncovering Revolutionary War history west of the Appalachians, including events in present-day Indiana

Together, these exhibitions and programs will explore how national ideals have been lived, challenged, and redefined through local experience, reinforcing a central idea of the America250 commemoration: that the American story is ongoing and shaped by everyday people.

Moments That Made US will be on view through January 3, 2027, at both museums. For a full schedule of events, exhibition details, and updates throughout the year-long celebration, visit studebakermuseum.org/America-250.

The Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum are located just eight blocks west of downtown South Bend. They are open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Campus admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (60+), and $14 for youth ages 6–17. Children 5 and under are free.

Studebaker National Museum                  The History Museum

(574) 235-9714                                                   (574) 235-9664

studebakermuseum.org                               historymuseumSB.org

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