November 28 – ELKHART – Ruthmere’s holiday trips return this year with the theme “All Aboard the Holiday Express.”
Between this Saturday and December 29, each room of the museum will be decorated with vintage and modern train sets and model trains, some of which will be on loan from various collectors in Michiana. Each year, a decorating committee puts their thoughts together to create an unforgettable experience of holiday decoration and Christmas cheer, according to information provided by Ruthmere, adding, “Never before has a train motif been considered for the elegant mansion.”
This year’s theme captures the glory days of when America’s railroads were symbols of progress. Ruthmere stated in its press release that Elkhart has a rich history with the railroad, beginning in 1851 when the first railroad arrived in the county. With this came a significant increase in population and employment, greatly shaping Elkhart’s physical, social and economic landscape. The Norfolk Southern Railway’s Elkhart Yard is the largest freight rail yard east of the Mississippi River; as such, Elkhart functions as a vital link in the chain connecting the Atlantic Coast to the Midwest and beyond.
The whole family is invited to experience Ruthmere’s Christmas decor and learn about the history behind trains and technology.
Tours begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving and run through the end of the year. Reservations are highly recommended during the Christmas period as this is one of the busiest times of the year in Ruthmere.
Call 574-264-0330 to make a reservation. Regular opening hours and entrance fees apply; visit Ruthmere.org for more information.
Ruthmere will be closed for tea with Mrs Claus on December 8 and 15, but Havilah Beardsley House will remain open on these days. The entire Ruthmere Campus will be closed from December 24 to 26 for Christmas.
