Civil Rights Heritage Center
Uncover South Bend's civil rights history at this center, a former segregated pool turned educational hub. Explore local struggles and triumphs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Civil Rights Heritage Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Uncover South Bend's civil rights history at this center, a former segregated pool turned educational hub. Explore local struggles and triumphs.
"A deeply educational experience connecting past struggles to present-day action. 
📞 Call Before You Go
Hours can be inconsistent; calling ahead ensures it's open.
🎧 Listen to Podcasts
Check their website for 'South Bend's Own Words' housing podcast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Former Public Pool
Main Exhibit Area
Explore the history of South Bend's first public pool, once denied to the Black community, now a vibrant learning center.
Local Civil Rights Stories
Exhibits and Archives
Discover powerful narratives of local activism, housing struggles, and the fight for equality in South Bend.
Art and Cultural Events
Gallery and Event Space
Experience rotating art exhibits and community events that highlight local heritage and contemporary issues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Operating Hours
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Before You Go
Hours can be inconsistent; calling ahead ensures it's open.
🎧 Listen to Podcasts
Check their website for 'South Bend's Own Words' housing podcast.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The venue is easily navigable for those using wheelchairs.
🌡️ Be Prepared for Heat
Air conditioning can be limited; consider visiting on cooler days.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Before You Go
Hours can be inconsistent; calling ahead ensures it's open.
🎧 Listen to Podcasts
Check their website for 'South Bend's Own Words' housing podcast.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The venue is easily navigable for those using wheelchairs.
🌡️ Be Prepared for Heat
Air conditioning can be limited; consider visiting on cooler days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Civil Rights Heritage Center a deeply educational and impactful place, offering unique local perspectives on the Civil Rights Movement. While some appreciate the accessible and informative exhibits, a few have noted inconsistencies with operating hours and occasional discomfort due to heat. +1
"I thought this would be a great educational experience for Logan Center clients. We came when the building was supposed to be open (half an hour after opening time) and it was closed."
Jennifer Lewis
"I live in South Bend so I pop it occasionally to see whats going on. In addition to in-person, check out some of their audio offerings available through their website.
Look for South Bend’s Own Words. There is a very fine podcast available right now on housing in South Bend. In particular the August 2022 podcast highlights stories and struggles of African Americans who sought housing here from 1948 to the late 60’s. The tape is 26 minutes long but cover covers decades of history."
nimbilasha cushing
"Small venue somewhat comfortable basic chairs. Easily accessible with a wheelchair. Was kind of hot, 80 f outside no ac or fans going during my visit. Extremely courteous and helpful people were everywhere."
Peter Sherman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Civil Rights Heritage Center is located in South Bend, Indiana. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method. Parking information is best confirmed directly with the center.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's recommended to check with the center directly or look for street parking in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically free, aligning with its mission as an educational resource. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this directly with the center.
Operating hours can be variable. Visitors have reported arriving during advertised times only to find it closed. Calling ahead at 574-307-6135 or checking their official website is highly recommended.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to inquire about reservation policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits detailing local civil rights struggles, particularly regarding segregation and housing discrimination. The center also highlights the history of the building itself, which was once South Bend's first public pool denied to the Black community.
Yes, the venue is noted as being easily accessible with a wheelchair, making it a comfortable experience for all visitors.
While not explicitly detailed, the center offers tours and hosts events. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about the availability and scheduling of guided tours.
The center provides an educational experience that can be valuable for older children and teens interested in history and social justice.
A visit can range from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and any special programming. The 'South Bend's Own Words' podcast, for example, is 26 minutes long.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The center itself does not appear to have dining facilities. Visitors are encouraged to explore the numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding South Bend area for food and refreshments.
Typically, food and drinks are not permitted in exhibit areas of historical centers to preserve the artifacts. It's best to consume them outside before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While personal photos for memory may be permitted, commercial or flash photography is often restricted to protect exhibits. It's advisable to ask staff upon arrival.
The former pool area offers a unique historical backdrop. Exhibits detailing local activism and art installations also provide compelling visual opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the subject matter is serious, the center's focus on local stories can make history more relatable. The accessible nature of the venue also ensures a comfortable visit for families. Consider exploring their website for any family-friendly programming or events that might be scheduled during your visit.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Dive deep into the specific challenges of segregation and housing discrimination in South Bend. The 'South Bend's Own Words' podcast is a particularly rich resource for understanding the lived experiences of African Americans in the mid-20th century.
🎨 Art and Culture Aficionados
+1These exhibitions provide a visual and emotional connection to the center's mission, showcasing the creative talent within the community and beyond. It's a great opportunity to experience art that is both thought-provoking and relevant.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Former Pool
This historical context is central to understanding the center's mission. It serves as a tangible reminder of the struggles faced and the progress made, offering visitors a profound connection to the past. The exhibits within the center often draw upon this history to illustrate broader themes of civil rights in America.
Visitors can learn about the specific challenges faced by African Americans in South Bend seeking equitable access to public spaces. The center uses this narrative to educate and inspire action, demonstrating how historical injustices can be addressed and overcome through community effort and advocacy.
Exploring Local Civil Rights Narratives
Key themes explored include the fight for fair housing, desegregation of public facilities, and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice. Through exhibits, archives, and community programs, the center brings these historical events to life. Visitors can engage with primary source materials, personal testimonies, and scholarly research that illuminate the complexities of these struggles.
One notable resource is the 'South Bend's Own Words' podcast, which delves into the experiences of African Americans seeking housing in South Bend from the late 1940s through the 1960s. This audio offering provides a deeply personal and historically rich perspective, accessible through the center's website.
Community Engagement and Art
The center frequently hosts art exhibitions that showcase the work of local and regional artists, often with themes that resonate with civil rights and social justice. These exhibitions provide a contemporary lens through which to view historical struggles and their ongoing relevance.
+1Furthermore, the center is a venue for lectures, workshops, and community gatherings, encouraging active participation in present-day social justice initiatives. This commitment to ongoing engagement ensures that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire action for a more equitable future.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit