Miami County Museum:


Step through the museum's door and visit Miami County's Historic past.  The first object that meets your eyes is Cole Porter's 1955 Fleetwood Cadillac and the Cole Porter Exhibit.

On your immediate left is the history of circus in Miami County including three stagecoaches (one belonging to movie star legend, Tom Mix).  Also, on the first floor you will enjoy exhibits of the Miami Indians, pioneer living, railroads, the archives, and last, but not least the museum's gift shop.

On the second floor, you will step back in time and visit Peru during the 1910 era which includes a one-room school house, church, dental office, home, shops and
other businesses.

Visitation is self-guided, but tours are available by appointment.  The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm most weeks.  Circus week the hours are 12:00 Noon to 8:00pm.  The museum is closed Thanksgiving weekend.

RR Exhibit            Railroad Exhibit                          Armurment Room Armament Room

Cp exhibit            Cole Porter Exhibit                     2nd floor right   2nd  Floor Exhibit



CP Car           Cole Porter Cadillac                    Circus Wagons  Circus Carriage
                                                                                                                                                and Tom Mix'
                                                                                                                                                Stage Coach

Circus          Circus Exhibit                                 2nd 2  Porter Drug Store

                  

Mail Wagon          Transportation Exhibit             Steam Car  Steam Car
                                             Local Mail Wagon




Hal C. Phelps Archives

The Hal C. Phelps Archives is a public research section holding local maps, newspaper microfilm from 1839 to present day, Miami County History books, Peru city directories, Peru and Miami County telephone directories, school yearbooks, cemetery records, files on Miami County businesses, school records, church records, census reports, military records, circus history, Miami Indian history and canal history.  Also available are family genealogies in the form of family files,  family photos, marriage records, death records and birth records and genealogy society newsletters, which are a great help to those researching family history.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Microfilm readers and printer, as well as a copy machine are available to the public.  Contact the museum for research and copying costs.  The public is encouraged to take advantage of the Archives as a resource for Miami County History.



Museum Staff:           

 Mildred     

Mildred Kopis                     

Mildred Kopis has been with the museum since 1989.  She first served as Assistant Curator and now serves  as the Curator of the museum.  She is responsible for the daily operations of the museum, grant writing, fund raising, acquisition, collections management, development of educational programs, policies and procedure development and public relations.  In addition, she schedules tours of the museum which includes: students, adult groups, churches, scouts and other interested parties.




Betty
Betty  Wilson                                                     
Registrar/Assistant Curator

 Betty Wilson was born and raised here in Miami County and has volunteered at the museum since 1996.  In 2001, she assumed the position of Collections Coordinator.  As registrar/assistant curator, she catalogs new acquisitions, assists in the inventory of the collections, and exhibit development.

Nancy

Nancy Masten
Archivist

 Nancy Masten is the archivist of the Hal C. Phelps Archives of the Miami County Museum.  A lifelong resident of Miami County, Nancy's duties include the conservation and physical care of all archival materials in the Museum.  In addition, she assists researchers in the Archives, helps with museum tours and is available for talks about museum related topics. 




ellen w
Ellen Wilson
Administrative Assistant/Gift Shop Manager


As administrative assistant for the museum and the historical society, Ellen's duties include bookkeeper for the society, ordering for and maintaining the gift shop, helping with clerical work for the museum and many other duties that need to be done.  Ellen generally works Thursdays and Fridays.  With the gift shop and office located at the front door of the museum, Ellen is the first person visitors to the museum will meet on those days.


Miami County Historical Society:

Founded in 1916, the MCHS has been responsible for the governance and financial health of the Miami County Museum.  Through quarterly meetings,  the annual Heritage Festival, and special projects, the Society promotes historical projects in the community that preserve Miami County's rich heritage.  See Events page or contact the Museum for further information regarding the Society's upcoming events.

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