Born from the efforts of Indiana University South Bend students and professors, the Civil Rights Heritage Center transformed a once segregated city swimming pool in downtown South Bend into an active learning center. It explores the civil rights struggles of the past so people can take action in the present and build a better future. Photographs, documents, and physical artifacts each tell the story of how our communities have overcome obstacles and continue to face new ones.
Much of our vast archival collection is available online, for free, through a partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library. Michiana Memory contains thousands of photographs and documents, searchable and downloadable, for free. Students, teachers, scholars, and people interested in history are encouraged to explore and use this resource, available any time of day or night.
To access the physical collection, you will need to set up an appointment in advance. Contact Scott Shoger, Archivist, at IU South Bend by phone at (574) 520-4448, or by email at sshoger@iu.edu to arrange a visit.
For more information about the Civil Rights Heritage Center, visit crhc.iusb.edu.