Culver Community Rallies to Preserve Local History

Antiquarian & Historical Society Endowment Fund

While a February 15, 1858, newspaper notice told of plans for a meeting to organize an “Antiquarian and Historical Society” in Union Town (Culver), no more is known of that 19th century endeavor. However, in the 1990’s, a group of people began meeting informally to exchange local history information and share artifacts. Membership and activities increased including regular meetings in historic buildings, ice cream socials and a quarterly newsletter. Since then the group created a museum, replaced the lighthouse in the Culver Town Park, gained the designation of three historic districts on the National Register and reprinted several historical documents that shed light on the unique communities that grew up around Lake Maxinkuckee. Heritage Park began as a dream to beautify an abandoned service station in downtown Culver. The Antiquarian Society and concerned citizens of Culver were able to raise enough money to have the Park professionally designed and proceeded to have it built for the whole town to enjoy. Heritage Park is now a cherished landmark in Culver, a peaceful place for strolling or quiet meditation. The Park features memorial bricks chiseled with the names of people who love the town. The Antiquarian and Historical Society Endowment Fund began in June 2000 following the completion of Heritage Park. Annual distributions help preserve and promote the history of Culver, Lake Maxinkuckee and the surrounding area and support maintenance of the park.