SOUTH BEND, Ind. (May 15, 2025) – South Bend will soon have a new space to explore the past if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by July 13, 2025. If successful, the project led by The History Museum will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.

"We are excited at the prospect of broadening South Bend's historical legacy through the addition of this new experience at The History Museum," said Matt Rayburn, Chief Real Estate Development Officer at IHCDA. "This campaign is yet another example of Hoosiers coming together to uplift their community and create a lasting impact."

Funds from this campaign will be used to create an immersive experience of early settler and pioneer life with the creation of the Navarre Homestead, surrounding the 1820 Pierre Navarre Log Cabin that was recently relocated to the museum’s campus. The site will include a trading post, blacksmith shop and native settlement in addition to the log cabin.

"The History Museum is thrilled that IHCDA is helping us facilitate another improvement on our campus through community-based support," said Brian Harding, Executive Director of The History Museum. "The Homestead will provide tremendous learning opportunities and a neighborhood gathering space complementing The History Museum’s historic gardens and galleries."

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $13 million in crowdgranting funds and an additional $10.8 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.