miami county museum

Was bored and decided to see what the museum had to offer. Seemed like most displays were about the circus. Maybe this town didn't have much to offer except for the circus or Cole Porter?

The Cole Porter exhibit was very nice. The description of the town's history with the circus was very interesting and easy to read. There was a nice variety of historical artifacts. The staff member at the front desk was very welcoming.

Growing up in California, my folks took us to little museums around the Gold Country and I was hooked.Well, this museum is so many things! turn of the century Amricana, Cole Porter, who was from here, amazing circus stuff, artwork, lots of Native American Indian history and artifacts, old fire wagons, cars, Tom Mix from the old Hollywood silent films! I had no idea he had lived here, too! The staff are all professional curators and will answer any questions. very friendly, not stuffy at all! Never saw museum with so much in one place!! plan to spend the day, or take a break and come back, because there is a lot to see, and there is a temporary exhibit now about the print media in this county! Clever way of presenting history! No matter where in the USA your are from, the exhibits here help illustrate life for our parents and grandparents! Leave a donation because, unbelievably, they don't charge admission! ,

This wonderful museum is in an old golden age department store, whose building alone is worth a look. Inside, you find circus, pioneer, and Miami Indian artifacts. On the second floor is a lovely streetscape of Peru in 1916, with stores, a law office, a church and much more. The third floor is being renovated at the time of this writing, and should be very informative once its completion in a few years. The third floor and the annex across the street are being used for temporary exhibits, which have included the 1913 Flood and Life in the Circus: the Native Americans work and Perform. The Native American exhibit is up until August 17. Upcoming temporary exhibits include a third floor exhibit on the history of newspapers to open on August 24,in Miami County, and a first floor exhibit on the history of agriculture. The gift shop has many books and toys for the kids and grownups, as well as a large selection of tee shirts and sweatshirts. Tours may be arranged ahead of time by calling (765) 473-9183. Ask for marvelous curator Elise Kordis. The musuem is located right downtown next to a great gift shop, cupcake shop, and coffee shop, and across the street from a terrific antique store.