The Barker Mansion Announces September Programs

Michigan City, IN — September 2025 — The Barker Mansion invites the community to experience a diverse lineup of programs this September, blending history, wellness, literature, and the arts within the backdrop of one of Michigan City’s most treasured landmarks.

Yoga at The Barker Mansion with Sacred Dunes

Wednesday, September 10 | 5:30p.m.

Bring your yoga mat and join us for a restorative session on the lower level of The Barker Mansion, presented in partnership with Sacred Dunes Integrative Health, Michigan City’s premier holistic wellness center. Expert instructors will guide participants through a practice designed to refresh both body and soul in a peaceful and serene environment.

History Hour: Honoring Almira Fifield, MD – A Forgotten Hero of the Civil War

Sunday, September 14 | 12:00 p.m.

This moving presentation will highlight the remarkable but overlooked story of Almira Fifield, one of the earliest female graduates of the New England Female Medical College in Boston. Despite her medical degree, she served in the Civil War only as a “nurse” and endured harsh conditions that claimed her life in 1863. For decades, she lay in an unmarked grave in Valparaiso’s Old City Cemetery.

Dr. Diane Schweitzer, PhD—historian, genealogist, and Regent of the William Henry Harrison DAR chapter—will bring Almira’s legacy to light through years of dedicated research.

Mansion After Hours: Architecture and Lifestyle Among the Gilded Age Titans of the Midwest

Wednesday, September 17 | 6:00 p.m.

Step into the world of the Midwest’s most powerful industrial families of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This engaging talk will explore the architectural beauty and cultural values of iconic homes across Indiana, from the Studebakers of South Bend to the Ball Brothers of Muncie. Presented by Gregory Kuharic, former Vice President of Sotheby’s and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, this program offers a fascinating glimpse into the wealth, ambition, and artistry of the Gilded Age.

The Gilded Page Book Club: The Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble

Wednesday, September 24 | 6:00 p.m.

The Barker Mansion introduces a three-part literary series exploring the drama, decadence, and contradictions of America’s Gilded Age. September’s selection, The Tiffany Girls, will be hosted by Craig Golbesky, Events Coordinator at The Barker Mansion. Each book club session pairs fiction with rare artifacts from the Barker family collection, making the history come alive. The evening also includes whiskey tastings by Journeyman Distillery and a self-guided mansion tour. Space is extremely limited.

The Barker Mansion Venue Showcase

Saturday, September 28 | 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Experience the historic Barker Mansion styled to perfection for weddings, meetings, and private events. Guests will tour the elegant mansion and gardens while exploring possibilities for hosting their own unforgettable moments at this unique venue. This event is free but you must register online.

About The Barker Mansion – 631 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360/219.873.1520

Tickets can be purchased at www.barkermansion.org.

The Barker Mansion, once home to railroad industrialist John H. Barker, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age and the rich history of Michigan City. Today, the Mansion offers tours, cultural programming, and private rentals, preserving its legacy as both a historic landmark and vibrant community hub.