Historic Forks’ Annual Garage Sale Wrap Up

A huge “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported Historic Forks of the Wabash during our garage sale! This year’s earnings totaled $3,370!

Whether you donated items, shopped for treasures, spread the word, or volunteered your time, your support means so much to us. Every purchase helps us continue preserving local history and providing educational programs for thousands of visitors each year.

We hope everyone found a few great bargains and had as much fun shopping as we had seeing so many friendly faces! Thank you for being part of our Historic Forks family. We truly couldn't do what we do without this amazing community.

The Trading Post Restoration is Done! – by Jim Hollar

Many thanks to Harrell and Sons and Sunstone Construction for completing their work prior to the start of our fall school tour season. The overall cost of the project was minimally over our projected budget due to the cost of materials and some additional work that needed to be done. The overages did not exceed the grant monies received from Mueller-Scherger, M.E. Raker, Huntington County Community Foundation, Dekko, and Olive B. Cole Foundations as well as our Boards’ financial commitment. Many thanks for their continued support of our programs.

The work being completed, Tim and Lori Guy, and Rick Henley did a wonderful job of preparing the building for school tours. The building was cleaned, materials were purchased, and Tim and Rick worked out a schedule that functions for both of them. According to Beth, many schools have expressed excitement about the return of this element of our school tours.

Thanks to Rick and Tim for being willing to interpret this important element of our site’s early history.

Clearing the Way for a Safer Future – by Jim Hollar

As many of you are aware, there is a utility pole in front of the main entrance that creates a dangerous situation when trying to park, backup, or drop someone off at the building. This pole has been a thorn in the side of our board for more than 20 years, and we attempted to work with our utility supplier to remove this pole in order to create a safer environment for our students, visitors, community members, volunteers and staff.

Over the years, these conversations had not gone well. The utility firmly stated the cost of the project would be in excess of $60,000.00. This year working with Dave Hacker, Jim Stricker and Beth Stricker a contract was presented to our Board with a cost just over $19,000.00. The Board readily accepted this opportunity and committed the necessary funds to cover the cost of the project. This money will be taken from our reserve funds and reduce our ability to quickly react to emergencies in the future.

The Board believes this action was necessary to protect our community members and our building from potential harm if the pole was ever knocked down by a vehicle or blown over in severe weather. Grants are being submitted to help cover some of the costs of this important project. However, many grant cycles have been completed and applications cannot be submitted at this time; and many foundations will not cover costs for funds already expended.

Our Board would greatly appreciate your financial support as we work to continue our mission and protect our staff and visitors. If interested, please write a check to the Historic Forks of the Wabash and in the note section state “Pole Removal Project”.

Volunteer Recognition

Happy Birthday to our Volunteers!

• September: Barb Buroker, Margaret Griffen

• October: Stan Bippus, Phil Dyer, Donna Hollopeter

• November: Sharon Solloway, Lowell Griffin, Marie Breeding

• December: Johanna Lange, Jo Bradley, Tim Deal, Suanne Jefferies

• Happy Belated “JUNE” Birthday to Dave Hacker!!

Welcome to our new volunteers!

Emily Roop — Susan Schultz — Dave Schultz

Volunteer Spotlight

His interest in history goes hand in hand with his lifelong love of railroads. Growing up in Garrett, Indiana, Lowell had two grandfathers who worked for the B&O Railroad. He sees the canal and railroad as connected parts of Indiana’s history and an important story of the past.

One of Lowell’s favorite memories happened while leading a group of students through the park. At the Nuck House, an interpreter portrayed Mrs. Nuck and told the story of her family’s journey from Germany to America. When she invited questions, one young boy raised his hand and asked how old she was. The unexpected question made Lowell smile, and it is a moment he still remembers.

Lowell has another interesting talent that visitors may not know about. For more than 20 years, he played the organ at church minus his left shoe so he could play the pedals! When asked what advice he would give someone thinking about volunteering at the Forks, Lowell’s answer is simple: Be ready for a lot of joy.

He enjoys watching children become excited as they learn about the people and events that shaped this special place. For Lowell, walking from building to building and along the Wabash River feels like turning the pages of a history book. “You immerse yourself in the book,” he says, “and just like a good book, you are not able to put it down!”

Thank you, Lowell, for helping bring those stories to life and for sharing the history of the Forks with the next generation.

Could You Spare One Morning a Week? 

Historic Forks of the Wabash is looking for friendly volunteers to help with our educational field trips!

No teaching or history experience is required—we'll provide the training. Our school tour season is limited to just four months each year: September-October and April-May.

Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or somewhere in between, we'd love to have you on our team! As a tour volunteer, you'll:

• Welcome students from across Indiana.

• Help bring local history to life.

• Meet wonderful people who share your interests.

• Make a lasting impact on thousands of children each year.

• Most importantly, you'll have fun while helping preserve and share the history of the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Interested in learning more? Contact Beth at 260-356-1903 or [email protected] to discover how you can become part of our team!

Preparing for Another School Tour Season - Beth Stricker, Director of Education & Operations

While many people think of September as "back-to-school" time, it also marks the beginning of one of our busiest seasons at the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Starting September 1, our grounds will once again be filled with the excitement and curiosity of students from across Indiana.

Over the next two months, thousands of students, along with their teachers and chaperones, will visit the Historic Forks to experience Indiana history in a hands-on way. Rather than simply reading about the past in a textbook, students step inside history by exploring the Chief’s house & wickiup, learning about life in the 1840s, discovering the importance of the Wabash & Erie Canal, and visiting our historic schoolhouse.

Before that first school bus arrives, a tremendous amount of work takes place behind the scenes. Buildings are cleaned and prepared, educational materials are organized, trails are trimmed and died, schedules are finalized, and our dedicated volunteers review their presentations to ensure every student has a memorable experience. Did you know, it takes 15-20 volunteers for each successful school tour?

Our tour program would not be possible without the incredible volunteers who generously share their time and knowledge. Many are retired educators, former school staff, history enthusiasts, or community members who simply enjoy working with children. Their enthusiasm brings history to life and creates experiences that students remember long after they return to the classroom.

As another busy tour season begins, we are also looking for additional volunteers to join our education team. You don't have to be a history expert—we provide the training! Whether you enjoy sharing stories, helping with hands-on activities, greeting visitors, or simply being part of a fun and welcoming team, there is a place for you at Historic Forks. Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and a wonderful way to help preserve our local history while inspiring the next genera on. Even a few hours a month can make a meaningful difference during our busy September and October, April and May tour seasons.

If you have ever considered volunteering, now is the perfect me! We'd love to introduce you to our team and show you how you can help bring history to life for thousands of students each year.

Thank you to our volunteers, teachers, schools, and supporters for making our educational mission possible. Together, we continue to preserve and share the rich history of Historic Forks of the Wabash—Where Cultures Met.

Discover Something Special at the Historic Forks Gift Shop

Looking for a unique gift or memorable souvenir? The Gift Shop at the Historic Forks of the Wabash is a great place to find something special for visitors of all ages. With a variety of educational and history-themed items, the shop is especially fun for school-aged children. From interesting keepsakes to gifts that inspire curiosity about local history, there’s something for young learners and history enthusiasts alike. It’s also a great time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping! Whether you need a gift for a child, a friend, or someone who loves history, you’re sure to find something worth taking home. While the Gift Shop does not have regular hours, we’re happy to open by appointment when possible. Simply give us a call or send us a message, and we’ll do our best to welcome you. Plan a visit and see what unique treasures you can discover at the Historic Forks Gift Shop!

Upcoming Events

Annual Dinner

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 

Join us for our Annual Dinner at the Historic Forks of the Wabash! Enjoy a delicious meal while connecting with friends and other supporters. The evening will include updates on the latest happenings at the Forks and a program that is both entertaining and informative. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate our history, share our progress, and enjoy a wonderful evening together. Please follow our Facebook page or watch our sign for further information.

Christmas at the Forks

Saturday & Sunday, December 12 & 13, 2026

The Historic Forks of the Wabash is excited to invite the community to celebrate the holiday season at our annual Christmas at the Forks fundraising weekend!

One of the highlights of the weekend is our Festival of Trees and Wreaths. Local groups, businesses, organizations, and families are encouraged to join the fun by decorating a tree or wreath to showcase their holiday spirit. The Forks will provide a tree or wreath at no cost, though participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. Please remember that everything used in your display, including the tree or wreath, decorations, and props—will go home with the winning ticket holder.

Visitors can enjoy a full weekend of festivities, including:

• Free Breakfast with Santa | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Saturday, Dec. 12)

• Festival of Trees | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat & Sun, Dec. 12 & 13)

• Christmas Brunch | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday Only (Tickets Required)

Trees and wreaths will be judged by popular vote, with First, Second, and Third Place winners receiving certificates of recognition. Winning entries will also be featured on the Historic Forks of the Wabash Facebook page and in the Huntington County TAB.

Participants may decorate their displays at the Forks on December 10–12 during the hours of 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m. The registration deadline is December 3, 2026.

We hope you’ll join us in making Christmas at the Forks a magical celebration of community, tradition, and history! For more information, contact the Forks Office at 260-356-1903.

Scenes from the 4th of July Celebration at the Forks

Many thanks to the Huntington Erie Community Band, the Joyful Songsters, Mayor Strick for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and to all those who attended this annual event. See you next year on the 4th!

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
Opening January 30, 2027 | Community Foundation of Whitley County
On view through March 14, 2027

Step into nearly 250 years of American democracy with “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibition presented in cooperation with Indiana Humanities. The exhibit will take place at the Community Foundation of Whitley County located at 1171 E Woods Way, Columbia City, beginning on January 30 through March 14, 2027.

Explore the ongoing American Experiment of government “of, by and for the people” and discover how generations of Americans have challenged, shaped, and reimagined what it means to form “a more perfect union.”

Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking exhibition exploring the people, ideas, and ideals at the heart of American democracy!

Give to the Forks of the Wabash!

Please consider giving a donation to the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Your support makes our continued success possible. Send your check to P.O. Box 261, Huntington, IN 46750, or see our website for options to make a credit card donation. For more information on how you can support the Historic Forks, contact Beth at [email protected]. Thank you!

A Word of Thanks...

All hard copy printings of the “Footprints at the Wabash” Newsletter are made possible by the generosity of Jim Scheiber, Edward Jones.

Thank you, Jim!