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FOOTPRINTS at the FORKS Newsletter
September 2025 - A quarterly publication provided by the Historic Forks of the Wabash
MISSION STATEMENT: The Historic Forks of the Wabash, Inc., pledges to preserve, protect, enhance, and interpret the geographical area known as the Forks of the Wabash. Historic Forks will serve the community by providing visitors with meaningful information about the site and the cultural history it represents.
Members of the Board: Liz Sanders, President, Ashley Herzog, Vice President, Jay Lahr, Treasurer, Donna Hollopeter, Secretary, Tim Deal, Rob Miller, Chris Smith, Lowell Griffin, Ronda Hawkins, Tim Guy, Caroline Runyan, Jo Bradley, Ann Hollar, Jim Hollar, Don Mathias, Sam PeGan
Continuing to Grow and Preserve – Jim Hollar, Grant Writer
In our previous newsletter we highlighted the work done in preserving the Chiefs’ House during the summer of 2024. These projects included painting the interior and exterior of the house, repairing and replacing windows, shutters, siding and trim on the exterior of the house, faux painting the south entrance door to the house, and other similar projects. During our final inspection by DNR department of Historical Preservation personnel, they were impressed by the quality and extent of the work done with minimal funds. However, they noted that the two chimneys needed extensive repair and noted some water damage on the second-floor ceiling caused by leakage from the chimneys.
The Forks Board voted to obtain bids to repair the chimneys and then accepted a bid for nearly $10,000.00 to do the job. Several grants to cover the costs for this project have been written, but we do not know if or when they will be granted and funds released to the Forks. In the meantime, the Board allocated building maintenance funds to cover these costs. Repair work began in August.
The Board has also approved applying for grants to restore the log two-story 1850s era “Trading Post” for use during the 2026 school tour season. The restoration of this log building includes restoring damaged logs, total re-chinking (inside and outside) of the building, sealing to maintain logs and limit small animal damage, spraying to hinder insect damage, and ensuring the integrity of the building. Bids for this project came in at $40,000.00 before identifying that the roof also needs to be replaced at an additional cost.
Bids for the roof have been requested but not received. Upon completion, the building can then be used for the Trading Post, as well as other period activities to provide students with more authentic environment. We will also need to place a propane heating unit in the building. As you are aware the Forks operates with limited resources and is greatly dependent on donors like you as well as community grants. Any financial assistance that YOU can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!
New Pavilion under construction at the Forks!
The Historic Forks of the Wabash has added a new pavilion to the grounds located east of the Chief’s House. Although not 100% complete, this structure will primarily be utilized for the “archeological dig” site, which is a popular activity offered to visiting school groups. The new pavilion replaces the pop-up tent that had been used to cover the dig for the last several years. Many thanks to the construction crew - Phil Dyer, Jim Stricker, Don Mathias, Mark Gehrke, Dale Hawkins, and Dave Hacker – for their dedicated work!
The next time you visit the Forks, be sure to check it out!
*Crew members not pictured: Dale Hawkins and Dave Hacker
 Phil Dyer, Jim Stricker, and Don Mathias |  Phil Dyer and Don Mathias |
Upcoming Events
Annual Dinner
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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.
The cost to attend is $15 per person. To save your spot, we kindly ask that reservations be prepaid by either mailing a check to Historic Forks of the Wabash, PO Box 261, Huntington, Indiana, 46750, or going to tinyurl.com/2025AnnualDinner.
Christmas at the Forks
Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14, 2025
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. 13)
Festival of Trees | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat & Sun, Dec. 13 & 14)
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 1, 2025. To register, please complete the online form at tinyurl.com/forkschristmas.
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.
Events at the Chief’s House
Candlelight Desserts, January 24, at 7 p.m.
Afternoon Tea, January 25, at 4 p.m.
*More details to follow in the January edition of the “Footprints at the Forks” newsletter as well as our Facebook page.
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One of the most rewarding parts of my work at the Historic Forks of the Wabash is hearing the feedback from teachers after their students visit for a school tour. Time and again, I am told how meaningful and engaging the experience was—not just for the students, but for the teachers as well. I would like to share a few of those comments that fill me with pride in our volunteers and our mission.’
“We loved this field trip! Everyone commented on how well the presenters did, how informative it was and the high level of quality all around. And the grounds themselves were so beautiful! Thank you for a wonderful experience!”
“The knowledge of the presenters is amazing! Thank you for this neat experience time and time again!”
“I love bringing my 4th graders to the Forks of the Wabash. Everything is so organized for maximum learning. I love all of the volunteers; they add so much to the experience and are so authentic.”
“Love, love, love this field trip – every year the parent chaperones comment on how informative and engaging it is! The students find every station interesting and maintain focus for the duration of the trip. We will continue to come back year after year!”
“Thank you so much for teaching our kids abut Indiana History. You do a fantastic job of presenting how life was for Hoosiers in the 1800s. We appreciate your volunteers so much! Keep up the great work!”
Their words of appreciation remind me how special this place is and how fortunate we are to share our local history in such a hands-on, memorable way.
Volunteer Recognition
Happy Birthday to our Volunteers!
September: Barb Buroker, Margaret Griffen
October: Joy Conley, Don Conley, Donna Hollopeter
November: Sharon Solloway, Lowell Griffin, Karen Salter, Marie Breeding
December: Johanna Lange, Jo Bradley, Tim Deal, Suanne Jefferies
Welcome to our new volunteers! Jim Stricker and Linda Grossman
Volunteer Spotlight
 | Chuck Hileman has been volunteering at the Forks for three years. He is known as the “Musket Man” and enjoys interacting with the children that tour the Forks. His specialty in this role is sharing his knowledge about muskets and demonstrating how they work. One of his favorite memories while volunteering at the Forks was… “Seeing an eagle in flight along with students attending one of my sessions.” |
In addition to re-enacting, Chuck enjoys cooking – indoors and outdoors. He and his wife take turns in the kitchen. Among his favorite things to do are smoking brisket and pork shoulder.
When asked what piece of advice he would share with new volunteers... “Don’t be afraid to try. The demonstrator must be able to speak on a subject. The learning never ends. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know, but I will find out’.”
Thank you, Chuck, for your dedicated service!
“Don’t be afraid to try.”
VOLUNTEER AT THE FORKS!
Looking to fill some spare time?
The Historic Forks of the Wabash is always looking for new volunteers to lend a hand. There are many capacities in which one can help, such as:
Tour Guides – In this popular volunteer role, you will lead groups of visiting elementary age students to each of the historical sites on the Forks’ property as well as keep track of the time allotted for each tour stop. There are six sites on the tour which include the Miami Wigwam, the Canal Boat Room, the Primitive School House, the historic Nuck House, the Chiefs’ House, and the archeological dig site. Easy and enjoyable!
Interpreters – If you are comfortable speaking in front of groups, then consider being an interpreter at the Historic Forks. Interpreters dress in period costumes and share history that took place here at the Forks. Interpreters talk about the Miami Indians, the Erie Canal, what it was like to have attended a one-room schoolhouse, the history of the Nuck family who emigrated from Germany, and the history of Chief Lafontaine and Chief Richardville.
Maintenance workers
Groundskeepers
Gift Shop Attendant – Assist customers with gift selections, ring up purchases, and restock merchandise.
Craft Donations for Gift Shop – If you are crafty and/or like to sew, donations of handcrafted items that can be sold in the gift shop are welcome. Proceeds help the Historic Forks of the Wabash.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Forks, please contact Beth Stricker by calling 260-356-1903.
Splash on the Wabash |  |
On July 19, close to 700 people joined us for Splash on the Wabash 2025. This annual summer event since 2014 has been a great fundraiser for the Forks and local Boy Scout Troop #130.
Participants (aka “tubers”) experienced a relaxing 90-minute lazy river float down the beautiful Wabash River. The weather was great, and the projected rain held out until the last launch was finished. Attendees let us know they had a great time and are excited to come back next year.
We appreciate and thank all our amazing volunteers who made the 2025 Splash on the Wabash a huge success. Special thanks to Boy Scout Troop #130, Midwest America Federal Credit Union, Acres Land Trust, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Wabash River Heritage Commission for their support. We couldn’t do it without our great team, and we look forward to Splash on the Wabash 2026!
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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!