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- Footprints at the Historic Forks: June 2026
Footprints at the Historic Forks: June 2026
Summer events, project updates, and an opportunity to support the Historic Forks of the Wabash!
Jim Hollar - Board Member, Beth Stricker - Tours & Events Coordinator, Liz Sanders - Board President & Flav Ann Karst - Facilities Rental Manager
May 30, 2026
A Word from the President
— Liz Sanders, Board President
First and foremost, as we come to the end of our Spring school tours season, a HUGE thank you to our dedicated volunteers for the many hours they have given to make the school tours so successful. Tours are still our main mission for the Forks and without our interpreters and guides we would not be able to provide this valuable experience to the school children of Northeast Indiana. Kudos to everyone!
This summer we will be celebrating a special milestone in the history of our country — 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th we will offer a special Traditional 4th of July Celebration with the Erie Band, the Joyful Songsters and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mayor Richard Strick. The historic buildings as well as the gift shop will be open after the presentation. Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. *Mark your calendar now!
July has two additional dates to put on your calendar. The Forks Rummage Sale will take place on July 17 and 18 from 9 AM-3 PM each day. Intake of donated sale items will take place Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and again on Thursday, July 16 from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon. Please bring your no longer needed “treasures” to the Forks during those times. Splash on the Wabash will be on Saturday, July 18th. *See “Splash on the Wabash” announcement for more information and a link to purchase tickets.
This summer should see the completion of the renovation of the Trading Post. We have received significant grants to restore and restock the third log building as an early 19th century trading post. We hope to have all in place to offer this experience as part of the tours this fall.
We sincerely hope you will join us for these fun summer activities, and as always thank you for your continued support of the Historic Forks of the Wabash.
Attorney Joins Historic Forks Board
— Jo Bradley, Newsletter Coordinator
Allison “Allie” Van Meter, Attorney at Law
The Historic Forks of the Wabash governing board is pleased to announce that, following a unanimous vote, Allie VanMeter, Attorney at Law, has been appointed as its newest member. Residing in South Whitley, Ms. Van Meter brings a strong commitment to serving the Huntington community.
With a professional focus in business law and an office located in Fort Wayne, she will provide valuable expertise as a legal consultant to the board. Allie commented…
As the oldest daughter in my family, I naturally fell into the role of organizer and leader from an early age. That instinct carried me through my undergraduate and law school years where I served in various leadership position. When I traded downtown Indianapolis for the charm of small-town South Whitley, I knew I wanted to put down real roots and give back to my community. Historic preservation sits at the intersection of two things I love deeply: history and the nature. The story of the Forks of the Wabash is one worth protecting and sharing, and I am genuinely honored to have the opportunity to contribute my legal background and my enthusiasm to this board.
The Historic Forks board extends a warm welcome to Ms. Van Meter and looks forward to her contributions.
Welcome, Allie!
Trading Post Restoration Update
— Jim Hollar, Grant Writer
Originally, we were hoping to begin the restoration of the Trading Post in late February to early March of 2026 to begin its inclusion in our spring tours. However, due to cold and fluctuating weather, continued rain, and other concerns, this was not possible. After talking with our roofing and restoration contractors, the work is now scheduled to begin in the middle of May. This will enable us to have the Trading Post ready for inclusion with our fall school tours. Our interpreters, Tim Guy and Rick Henly, are eager to begin the reintroduction of this critical element of our history.
With the addition of an $8,000.00 grant from Huntington County Community Foundation and earlier grants from the Mueller-Scherger Foundation ($12,000.00), Dekko Foundation ($8,000.00), M.E. Raker Foundation ($5,000.00), Olive B. Cole Foundation ($1,000.00) and $10,000.00 from the Forks general fund, we have raised enough money to complete the estimated cost of the Trading Post restoration.
We greatly thank all who have been involved in supporting this important project.
Upcoming Events
Old Fashioned 4th of July — Celebrating 250th Anniversary
Beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 4th
You are invited to celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary at the Historic Forks of the Wabash on Saturday, July 4th beginning at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy the Erie Band, the Joyful Songsters and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mayor Richard Strick. The historic buildings as well as the gift shop will be open after the presentation. We suggest that you bring a lawn chair as seating is limited at this annual free event. Hope to see you there!
Annual Historic Forks of the Wabash Garage Sale
Friday & Saturday, July 17 & 18 from 9 AM to 3 PM
Richardville Room at the Historic Forks, 3011 W Park Dr, Huntington, IN
 | It will soon be time once again for our Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser at the Historic Forks of the Wabash—and we need your help to make it a success! We will be accepting donations of clean, gently used items to sell. Your donated treasures help support our programs, educational experiences, and preservation efforts, all while giving others the chance to find something special at a great price. |
Donation Drop-Off Dates:
• July 13, 14, 15 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• July 16 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Whether you’re donating, shopping, or both, this event is a wonderful way to support the Forks and connect with the community. We’ll be accepting both cash and credit cards for purchases.
Start gathering those items and plan to join us - we appreciate your support!
Splash on the Wabash
Saturday, July 18
 |
SPLASH ON THE WABASH 2026 Launch Times: 10 a.m., 12 Noon, and 2 p.m. |
The 12th annual Splash on the Wabash River tubing event will be held on July 18th , 2026. Splash on the Wabash was started in 2014 to celebrate local rivers and has transformed into an annual sell-out event that draws hundreds of regional attendees. Experience a relaxing float down the beautiful Wabash River in Huntington County, Indiana.
The cost is $10 if you bring your own tube and life jacket - or - $17 to rent a tube and life jacket.
You will take a bus to the launch site, then begin your float (approximately 90 minutes) back to the Forks. The event is held rain or shine, and attendees must be at least 8 years of age to participate.
Special thanks to ACRES Land Trust, the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, the Huntington County Visitors Bureau, Forks of the Wabash Historic Park, Midwest America Federal Credit Union and Boy Scout Troop 130 for their ongoing support.
Volunteer Recognition
Happy Birthday to our Volunteers!
June: Claudia Thompson, Marlene Johnston, Janet Husband, Kathy Hollowell, Jan Tharp, Loretta Wintrode
July: Karen Shane, Phyllis Pieper, Terry Rodgers
August: Ashley Herzog, Chris Smith, Donna Deal, Mary Reust
Welcome to our new volunteers!
Stan Bippus - as a new Tour Guide
Kevin Amick - new on the Maintenance Crew
Volunteer Spotlight
 | Claudia Thompson is in her sixth year of volunteering at the Forks after first visiting with her grandson, RJ, on a school tour. A retired school nurse, Claudia missed working with children after retirement and found volunteering at the Forks of the Wabash the perfect fit. She enjoys helping students learn about the history of Huntington and the important roles the Wabash River and Wabash-Erie Canal played in the development of Indiana. Claudia also values the friendships and learning |
opportunities she experiences with fellow guides and interpreters. Outside of volunteering, Claudia once bowled a 603 series and later placed 10th in the state at the Women’s State Bowling Tournament with her partner. She encourages others to volunteer at the Forks, calling it fun, educational, rewarding, and great exercise.
Farewell & Thanks, Phyllis, Chuck, and Karen…
 Phyllis Pieper |  Chuck Hileman |  Karen Salter |
Phyllis Pieper, Chuck Hileman, and Karen Salter are retiring from their volunteer roles at the Historic Forks of the Wabash.
Phyllis served faithfully as a schoolhouse interpreter and gift shop volunteer, Chuck shared history as the beloved “Musket Man,” and Karen, who served as a tour guide, warmly welcomed visiting students to the Forks.
We are sincerely thankful for their commitment and service to the Forks and its visitors, and their presence at the Forks will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Phyllis, Chuck and Karen!
Historic Forks Education Program
— Beth Stricker, Tours & Events Coordinator
This spring, we welcomed an incredible 1,564 students, along with 79 teachers and 384 adult chaperones, from 12 Indiana counties. Some schools were longtime returning visitors who have made the Forks part of their spring traditions, while three schools visited for the very first time. The school traveling the furthest journeyed 63 miles each way to spend the day learning, exploring, and experiencing history firsthand!
Each tour day brought excited students stepping off buses ready to ask questions, explore the historic buildings, and discover what life was like in our area long ago. From hands-on activities and demonstrations to walks along the trails, students had the opportunity to connect with history in a way that simply cannot be recreated in a textbook.
One of the most rewarding parts of every season is watching students become curious about the past. Whether they were fascinated by pioneer life, interested in the Native American history of the area or simply amazed by how different daily life once was, those moments of discovery remind us why preserving local history matters.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, interpreters, teachers, and supporters. During this spring season alone, volunteers generously gave 981 hours of their time to help prepare buildings, maintain the grounds, guide tours, teach students, assist with activities, and create meaningful educational experiences for every child who visited. Their dedication allows the Forks to continue serving as both a historical treasure and an outdoor classroom for our community and beyond.
The Richardville Room at the Historic Forks
— Flav Ann Karst, Facilities Rental Manager
The Richardville Room at the Historic Forks continues to be a central gathering place for organizations and community events throughout Huntington County. As spring turns to summer, the banquet and meeting facility is once again hosting a wide variety of local activities, educational programs, and regional meetings.
Several service organizations have recently used the space to recognize student achievement. The Optimist Club and Rotary Club honored outstanding high school students during special recognition programs, while the Huntington County Community Foundation will soon welcome scholarship recipients and their families to celebrate academic success and future educational goals.
The Richardville Room has also become a popular location for fundraising events, community breakfasts, and volunteer appreciation programs. United Way of Huntington County has hosted both its annual kick-off breakfast and appreciation breakfast at the Forks. The room’s flexible layout allows organizations to comfortably hold presentations, share updates, and recognize volunteers and supporters in one convenient location.
Businesses and regional groups continue to find the facility ideal for meetings and training sessions. Huntington Parkview Hospital and First Federal Bank have both utilized the space this year for employee training programs. The spacious meeting area and attached kitchen provide an efficient setting for larger groups to gather together.
In addition, organizations including the Wabash River Corridor Commission and the Indiana Canal Society have held regional meetings at the Historic Forks, giving members an opportunity to experience Huntington County’s rich history and scenic riverside setting.
Community organizations such as Place of Grace and the Youth Services Bureau have also hosted dinners, silent auctions, and annual reports in the room, using the sound system and Wi-Fi to create professional presentations. Several new organizations are planning summer events at the Historic Forks. For rental information, contact Flav Ann Karst at 260-225-3515.
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...
As many of you are aware, maintaining our grounds is an expensive and time-consuming task. Many thanks to our volunteers who continue to keep our grounds looking great, especially Don Mathias who spends many hours on our mower. We would also like to thank the following businesses who provide us gift cards to offset the fuel costs for this job: JJ’s, Viking Express, Indus Petroleum, and A&A Quick Stop. These businesses have been crucial in keeping our fuel costs to a minimum.
MANY THANKS TO EACH OF YOU!!!!