The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum features local memorabilia, like the Harkless Mier car and donated military items. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

News Release

SYRACUSE — When visiting the lakes community this summer, consider taking a step back in time.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum has served the Lakeland area since 1987. The museum is filled with all sorts of local history, clothing, old relics and artifacts.

The museum also offers summer programs for those interested.

“During the week of July 4, we have Youth History Club and the Centennial Homes program happening,” said Jamie Clemons, director of the museum.

The club meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 6. Games and math bowl will take place that day.

Math bowl is a game played primarily by adults of the Potawatomi people from the area, but it was also played by many other tribes.

It is a game of chance and is played very similar to dice games now.

“It was used as a way to pass time and used in certain celebrations,” said Clemons.

The Centennial Homes program is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8. The topic focuses on the fish hatchery.

The museum is located inside the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, across from Lakeside Park.

Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For other events, visit syracusemuseum.org or call (574) 457-3599 for more information.