Westchester Township History Museum is entering a new chapter as the Duneland History Center. This initiative is a necessary rescue mission to preserve the historic 1885 Brown Mansion and build a vibrant, accessible new home for our community's collective curiosity. By protecting our history today, we ensure it remains free, safe, and welcoming for everyone tomorrow.
This revitalization will enable us to grow our impact and provide a versatile home for the social spark of our unique community
We are creating space for interactive field trips for junior historians and the continuation of beloved traditions like family History Hunts.
The Center serves as a professional hub for history buffs, ancestry explorers, local paranormal groups, and more!
Enjoy dedicated areas for community music, trivia nights, and our noteworthy local art collection.
From weekly neighbors to first-time Indiana Dunes visitors, we are building this space to connect people with the past and each other.
This project unites the restoration of the 1885 Brown Mansion with a new purpose-built barn to preserve history, expand public access, and create modern, ADA-accessible spaces for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Restoration, Not Renovation. We are performing essential, bone-deep restoration—fixing the roof and structural plaster—to save our largest artifact from environmental decay.
Fully Tourable. Moving administrative offices out of the mansion allows us to stage every room with antique furniture, opening the house to the public for the first time.
Local Expertise. We've partnered with Berglund Construction, national restoration leaders who have worked on icons like the Shedd Aquarium and Unity Temple.
Modern Access for All. Replicating the property's original structure, the barn provides the modern functionality that a Victorian home cannot offer.
Climate-Controlled Archives. A high-tech environment will finally protect fragile maps and photographs from Indiana's damaging humidity.
History for Everyone. All research materials and archives will be located on the main floor, making them fully ADA accessible for the first time.
History isn't just in books; it's in the intriguing and unexpected items we discover along the way. Our collection is a treasure trove of day-to-day life and rare finds, ranging from prehistoric mastodon bones to local archaeological discoveries. Through exploring these artifacts, visitors can see firsthand how Duneland has evolved through centuries of domestic life and unique community traditions.
Chesterton resident Pvt. Charles Smalley, Jr. died in a WW2 battle in Southern France on August 25, 1944, but his body was not identified until January 25, 2025. His remains were returned to Chesterton and interred next to his parents on June 21, 2025. Upon identification, a new uniform and medals were issued to Smalley’s closest living relative, Kay Howard, in addition to records connected to Smalley, his death, and the identification of his remains. The Duneland History Center gratefully accepted the donation of these unique artifacts for educational purposes.
We are a community of storytellers on a mission to document Duneland's living history. Every perspective from memories of the 1948 tornado and 1960s park service to stories of daily life in the mills, local school days, or how global events shaped our neighborhoods is a vital piece of our history. Share yours to help preserve our local stories for generations to come.
Submit your story to the ArchivesWe believe in responsible management as we invest in our community's legacy.
Self-Funded: This work is entirely funded through the Library Improvement Reserve Fund—a long-term savings account overseen by the Westchester Public Library Board of Trustees specifically for the enhancement of WPL's facilities.
No New Taxes: Because we are using existing reserves, there is no new tax levy, meaning this project will not increase taxes for township residents by even a single cent.
No. This project is 100% self-funded through the Library Improvement Reserve Fund. We are using existing savings to protect our heritage—not your tax dollars.
The mansion is a historical treasure, but it wasn't built for modern accessibility. The barn will provide full ADA access and a climate-controlled environment for fragile archives that a Victorian home simply can't offer.
It's a 'bone-deep' restoration. We are securing the 1885 Brown Mansion's roof and structural plaster to stop environmental decay and preserve our township's largest historical artifact.
Never. As a service of the Westchester Public Library, the History Center will remain free and open to everyone.
The mansion is currently closed for its safety and yours. However, you can track every milestone here or follow us on social media for "behind-the-scenes" restoration clips.
Mark your calendars for June 2027. We look forward to welcoming the community home.