Located in the town of Evansville, Indiana, Reitz Home Museum is part of the Riverside Historic District. You might not consider a small town in Indiana to have much history or cultural value, but this place gives it an interesting touch. The area was added to the United States list of Historic Districts in 1978, with Reitz Home Museum being the centerpiece. Many of the homes and buildings here were built in the Second Empire style and range from the period of the 1850s to the early 1900s. If you’re in the area and looking to explore this historic piece of America, here is a guide to Reitz Home Museum.
Things to do
Reitz Home Museum Preservation Society is comprised of a group of individuals responsible for the tours, upkeep, and maintenance of this house. The group was established in 1974 and they have since kept the home of the Reitz family thriving. The home aims to preserve and educate the people of Evansville and its visitors on the lives of Victorian-era Americans.
Explore the Museum
The story of the museum starts in 1815, in Prussia, with John Augustus Reitz. Having grown up in a German family, he - and many other German immigrants - came to America in 1830 and become involved in the sawmill industry. By the 1880s, his business was one of the most successful - so much so that he was then known as the “Lumber Baron”. The Reitz Home was built and completed in 1871, and this is where he lived with his family. Reitz passed away in 1891, but his children carried on the legacy of their father who was known in the community as a charitable man. Although the home underwent some modernization like electricity and indoor plumbing, the home has kept much of its features from the 1800s. Tours of the home are offered to people who want to see its interiors and marvel at the late 19th-century decor and aesthetics.
Book the Carriage House
The Reitz Carriage House was remodeled in the 1900s. The space was originally used by the family to store their many carriages, with a stable in the back of the house to shelter the family’s horses. An interesting feature of the stable is the wood puncheon floors. The floors were originally placed for the horses, as that type of wood is more comfortable for them. Interestingly, the puncheon floors can still be seen here. This lot was remodeled for the modern era to include offices and a rental space where people can hold meetings, receptions, dinners, and bridal showers.
Enjoy wine during the weekends
In the spring months, the staff at Reitz Home Museum host “Wine Down to the Weekend” events. Encouraging adults in the community to come by and enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the beautiful, well-kept setting of Reitz Home Museum’s veranda, garden, or patio. The event is open to the public free of charge, complete with live music to accompany the event.
Things to buy
Posted by Reitz Home Museum on Friday, 30 November 2018
Reitz Museum Gift Shop
The museum’s most modern room is their gift shop. Offering a variety of interesting and cool souvenirs, the gift shop has items that range in price. Commemorate your time here and help contribute to the financial well-being of the museum by buying something nice like reusable tumblers and glasses engraved with Reitz Home Museum.
Travelers tips
Posted by Reitz Home Museum on Monday, 4 June 2018
Tours and reservations
Tours for Reitz Home Museum start at the Carriage House in the back portion of the property. It helps to know ahead of time so you don’t show up and get lost before the tour starts. Tours are approximately an hour in length, with visitors going through 12 different rooms in the house. If you’re a large group of 10 or more people, it is best to make a reservation. You can reach the museum at (812) 426-1871 to inquire or book.
Accessibility
The Carriage House is ADA-accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act). For more information on accessibility within the museum proper, you can call or email Reitz Home’s Preservation Society.
Donations
The museum relies on visitors and donators to keep the building financially viable. If you’re looking to donate to the museum, there are several ways you can do it. Paypal links are on their website, and checks by mail or donating in person are also a possibility. If you’re interested, memberships and contributions have benefits included.
How to get there
By car
The best way to get around town and to Reitz Home Museum is by car. This attraction is located on the corner of First Street and Chestnut Street. Parking is available for free on the street but space is not guaranteed.
Taxi or Uber
Taxi and Uber operate in the city if you do not have a vehicle. If you’re coming from outside Evansville, a Greyhound bus has a stop in the downtown area. From there, you can hail a taxi or book a ride.
How to book tickets
Posted by Reitz Home Museum on Monday, 4 June 2018
Tickets can be bought in person when you arrive at the visitor’s area at Reitz Home Museum. Prices range from 7.50 USD for adults, 2.50 USD for students, and 1.50 USD for children under 12. Tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday.
Reitz Home Museum information
Reitz Home Museum
Address: 112 Chestnut St, Evansville, IN 47713, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 2:30pm; Sun: 1am - 2:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 1.50 - 7.50 USD
Official website: Reitz Home Museum
Board of Tourism: Visit Indiana
History
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