local history Archives
The Klan wanted influence. One Elkhart leader took a stand.
A KKK grand dragon wielded great political power in 1920s Indiana. But one man made sure he knew he wasn't welcome in Elkhart.
Honoring Elkhart’s heroes: Veteran of the Month
We find Elkhart service members to highlight through Fold3, the Digital Library resource available through EPL. Fold3 houses millions of documents, photos, maps, records and more for U.S. wars going […]
With public health in the balance, Dr. Tomchik declared war on the patient
A struggle for power over public health in Elkhart County eventually came to a messy end and forced a doctor's resignation.
Ben Barnes ‘was second to none, but never better than anyone else’
Role model, author, leader - Ben Barnes was a powerful and caring presence for Elkhart
New features added for payment, browsing local history
Elkhart Public Library has made searching for local history and paying for research easier than ever with the addition of a shopping cart and PayPal payment features to our website. […]
A dark winter filled with anguish, uncertainty … and hope
At Christmastime in the midst of a different dark winter, Elkhart already had lost far too many souls. The weather was unseasonably warm. Main Street had no snow, but it […]
A legendary Elkhart figure delivered inspiration to Norman Vincent Peale
(Elkhart Public Library proudly supports “Legends of Michiana: The Martin Family” on WNIT-TV.) One of the most influential authors of the 20th Century, Norman Vincent Peale instructed generations to believe […]
A controversial incumbent. Voters on edge. Contested election results.
The 1995 election was intense. And the campaign did not end on Election Night.