Mansion After Hours: Architecture and Lifestyle Among the Gilded age Titans of the Midwest

Step inside the grand homes—and rich legacies—of the Midwest’s most powerful industrial families of the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the Barker Mansion stands as one of the final great residences of this era, it shares an architectural and cultural lineage with other iconic homes across Northeast Indiana.

Discover how influential figures like the Studebakers of South Bend, the Ball Brothers of Muncie, and the Swinney and Bass families of Fort Wayne lived, entertained, and displayed their wealth. Through engaging stories and vivid images, we’ll explore what these homes reveal about ambition, identity, and innovation—and how Barker Mansion both fits into and stands apart from this legacy.

Enjoy after-hours access to the Mansion and light refreshments as we reflect on this gilded chapter of Indiana’s past.

Presented by Gregory Kuharic, a Ball State graduate, former Vice President of Decorative Arts at Sotheby’s New York, and longtime antiques expert (including Antiques Roadshow appraiser). Gregory now works as a private art dealer and consultant, and has a passion for historic architecture, design, and preservation.

You may also like the following events from The Barker Mansion:

• This Saturday, 16th August, 12:00 pm, Indiana Landmark Speaker Series – Endangered Historic Sites in Michigan City
• This month, 27th August, 06:00 pm, Mansion After Hours: Literary Ladies Night in Michigan City
• Next month, 5th September, 04:00 pm, Free Admission Friday - 4-6PM CDT for 46360 residents in Michigan City

Also check out other Arts events in Michigan City.