Skip to content
  • The Barker Mansion is closed for renovations.
  • Home
  • Visit The Mansion
  • In The News
  • Events
    • Legacy Of Freight
    • Wedding Rental
    • Corporate Business Rental
    • Private Events Rental
    • Tea At The Mansion
  • About Us
    • Reviews
    • Historic Timeline
    • Virtual Tour
    • Original Jensen Designs
  • We Are Renovating
  • Rental Inquiry
  • Connect
    • Contact
    • Get Involved
Menu
  • Home
  • Visit The Mansion
  • In The News
  • Events
    • Legacy Of Freight
    • Wedding Rental
    • Corporate Business Rental
    • Private Events Rental
    • Tea At The Mansion
  • About Us
    • Reviews
    • Historic Timeline
    • Virtual Tour
    • Original Jensen Designs
  • We Are Renovating
  • Rental Inquiry
  • Connect
    • Contact
    • Get Involved

Michigan City Transfers The Barker Mansion Back To The Barker Welfare Foundation

  • July 24, 2021

Mansion Will Reopen to The Public In The Fall After Extensive Renovations

Michigan City, IN July, 2021 – Title to the Barker Mansion in Michigan City, IN has been transferred from the City of Michigan City to The Barker Mansion LLC, a new wholly owned subsidiary of The Barker Welfare Foundation.

“I am very grateful to Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry, General Counsel Amber Lapaich, the Michigan City Common Council and the Board of Public Works and Safety for approving this transfer”, said Alex Ross, President of The Barker Welfare Foundation, and the grandson of Catherine Barker Hickox.

“My grandparents donated the mansion to Michigan City in 1968 for use as a civic center, and the family is thankful for the many years of stewardship by the City. But it is now our responsibility to restore, maintain and operate the mansion.”

The Barker Mansion is currently closed and undergoing a $2 million restoration project, funded by The Barker Welfare Foundation.

We are working on projects from top to bottom, including rewiring the entire mansion, new fire and security systems, new HVAC systems, restoring the Bridal Suite and Mr. Barker’s Room, a new bluestone patio and tent for outdoor events, as well as restoring the garden to the original 1910 plan by the renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen” Ross said.

The lower-level community meeting rooms are also being upgraded and new exhibits are planned as well, featuring a scale model of the Haskell Barker Car Company factory, which is being designed and fabricated by students and faculty from the Purdue NW College of Technology’s Department of Construction Science & Organizational Leadership (CSOL).

Additional restoration work will continue over the next three years from January through March, during which time the Mansion will be closed to the public. Patrons can expect a reopening celebration in April of each year.

The Barker Mansion is expected to reopen to the public in late fall for the popular Christmas Season at the Mansion, featuring events and historical holiday displays.

The Barker Mansion is a historic home and living museum that seeks to preserve the history of the Barker family business and philanthropy in Michigan City through tours, exhibits, programs and events. The mansion is available for school, civic and cultural meetings, weddings and private events, for Michigan City residents and visitors.

For Further Information

Contact: info@barkermansion.org or follow us on Facebook.

Share this post

Sign Up

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Our Events

Christmas/Holiday Events
Wedding Rental
Corporate Business Rental
Private Events Rental
Tea At The Mansion

Our Hours

The Barker Mansion is currently closed to tours while we renovate. Please contact us for event hosting.

Company Details

631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 873-1520
Privacy Policy
Terms Of Use

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor

Accessibility

The Barker Mansion has an accessibility ramp in the rear of the building so guests can access the first floor and first floor bathroom. The lower level is accessible via two chair lifts. We ask that those who require the ramp call ahead so that staff can meet guests at the side entrance on 7th Street: (219) 873-1520. Please contact the Mansion with any questions. We are happy to help!