The Barker Mansion is seeking information from Purdue alumni who attended classes at Michigan City’s Barker Mansion between the years of 1948 and 1968.
“The years that students spent here at the Purdue University Barker Memorial Center is a time period we’re striving to learn more about,” said Heritage Interpreter Jackie Perkins. “Many guests who walk through our doors wonder about this time in our history, and ask us questions to which we don’t have answers.”
In order to bring this often overlooked area of history to life, an exhibit room in the mansion’s newly remodeled basement will be dedicated to telling the Purdue story. Information and memories are sought from former students and faculty whether verbal, written or pictorial. Mansion staff wants to know everything from favorite teachers to favorite (or least favorite) classes, and everything in-between.
“It is one thing to give the bare facts of when the school opened and number of students, but that is not what we want to present to our guests,” said Perkins. “Instead, we want to give them the inside scoop and bring to life the stories of former students in such a way that guests can imagine walking through the Barker Mansion as a student during the 1950’s rather than a guest in 2017.”
To share your memories with mansion staff, call (219) 873-1520 to set up an appointment or email jperkins@emichigancity.com.