SOUTH BEND — The History Museum seeks 1950s furniture and furnishings for an upcoming transformation of its Worker’s Home.
The house will change from its current interpretation of a 1930s Polish family home to one that reflects how a 1950sAfrican American family might have lived.
When the Worker’s Home re-opens, stories of the Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement will be told through guided tours, and furniture and furnishings will reflect those periods in history.
Items that are needed from the 1950s include sofa and living room chairs, bookshelf, dining room table and chairs,sideboard, china hutch, kitchen table and chairs, oven and range, appliances, glassware, china, tableware, lamps, lighting devices, decorative items, toys, games and books.
To tell the local stories as completely and accurately as possible and to help visitors experience life in the 1950s, TheHistory Museum is seeking photographs, documents, and information from such local elementary schools as Linden,Muessel and Marquette as well as Central High School.
The museum also hopes for materials associated with local African American firms, companies, or establishments,organizations and objects that reflect business, home and family life in the community during the 1950s.
Documents and records of musicians, performers, and other artists from the African American community from thisperiod are also welcome.
The Worker’s Home is scheduled to reopen Nov. 9.
Individuals interested in loaning or donating items should email WorkersHome@historymuseumSB.org or call Cat Page-Vanore at 574-235-9664, ext. 245.