(New Carlisle) - New Carlisle’s history museum has come back to life in a different location.

For years, the historical society there occupied a historic mansion on the outskirts of town. For the last three years or so, the group has been working to bring their history back to downtown.

After selling off their old home, known as the Old Republic, the group set its sights on a vacant storefront.

 

Museum director Dana Groves says they wanted to make their collection of historic items more accessible to the public. "We were really hoping to have a downtown location and be part of the hustle and bustle," she says. "The Old Republic was a wonderful property, but I think some people weren't sure from the street if it was a private home, or if they could go up there."

The new location is part of what used to be Miller’s Home Café. Groves says mostly local volunteers were responsible for rehabbing the building. "I call them the Fab Five," Groves says of her helpers. "Five guys retired, all have different special skills. They did the bulk of the work, which of course saved us thousands of dollars. We did hire some local contractors, but mostly volunteers. It was neat to see the community come together."

 

They cut the ribbon on the new museum last weekend, and it’s now open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.