The past is coming alive this summer at History Speaks: America 250, an immersive outdoor celebration of America’s story, taking place Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Buckley Homestead (3606 Belshaw Road, Lowell, Indiana).
Presented by the Lake County Parks and Recreation and the Crown Point Community Library, this free event invites visitors of all ages to step into America’s 250-year story through live performances, historical interpreters, hands-on activities, music, exhibits, and interactive experiences.
Throughout the day, guests can meet iconic figures from American history as they walk the grounds and share stories from their unique place in history. Featured presentations in the main barn include appearances by Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, Al Capone, Mamie Eisenhower, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a special Music of America performance.
Featured Presentation Schedule
10:15 a.m. — Abraham Lincoln
10:30 a.m. — John Adams
11:00 a.m. — Al Capone
12:00 p.m. — Mamie Eisenhower
1:00 p.m. — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
2:00 p.m. — Music of America
Visitors can also experience “The Great War: From Ration Lines to the Front Lines,” a special exhibit exploring Indiana’s role in World War I, from the home front to the global stage.
Families and children will enjoy interactive activities throughout the grounds, while guests of all ages can watch history unfold through reenactments, storytelling, live music, and demonstrations. Hand-cut silhouette portraits will also be available as a memorable keepsake from the day.
Whether you stay for the entire event or stop by for part of the afternoon, there will always be something happening at History Speaks: America 250.
History Speaks is presented in partnership with the Northwest Indiana Civil War Roundtable, and the Lake County Historical Society.
Heritage Support Grants are provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
This summer and fall, the Crown Point Community Library invites the community to step back in time and explore the stories, architecture, and people that helped shape Crown Point through a new series of historic tours presented by the Library’s Indiana Room.
Led by Indiana Room Specialist Jeanene Letcher, the “Historic Tours of Crown Point – Crown Point, Then and Now” series offers residents and visitors an opportunity to experience local history in an engaging and interactive way.
Walking Tours
Participants can explore the rich history of the Historic Crown Point Square during guided walking tours through downtown Crown Point. Guests will learn about historic buildings, notable businesses, community landmarks, and how the Square evolved over the years.
Walking tours are free and open to the public. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to each tour date.
Walking Tour Dates
Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m.
Monday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m.
Trolley Tours
For those looking to explore beyond downtown, guests can ride aboard Molly the Trolley for a guided tour through Crown Point’s four historic districts. Participants will enjoy a relaxing and informative ride while learning about the homes, architecture, neighborhoods, and stories that helped define the city’s growth and character.
The trolley tours are designed for adults only, and seating is limited. Registration is required and opens two weeks before each tour.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to the community, these tours offer a unique opportunity to discover the stories and places that make Crown Point special.
The Crown Point Community Library Indiana Room preserves and shares the history of Crown Point and the surrounding community through collections, programs, and educational outreach opportunities.
This May, the Crown Point Library is proud to showcase a one-of-a-kind community collection from local collector Arturo Blanco. With the help of his wife, Arturo has carefully curated and installed a vibrant display of Kaiju Sofubi figures, offering visitors a unique glimpse into an imaginative art form rooted in Japanese pop culture.
Sofubi, derived from the Japanese term for “soft vinyl,” refers to collectible figures that are typically hand-cast and hand-painted. Known for their bold colors and stylized designs, these pieces are often produced in small batches, making them especially prized among collectors.
The subject of Arturo’s collection, Kaiju, translates to “strange beast” and is commonly associated with giant monsters featured in Japanese films and media—most famously, characters like Godzilla. Today, Kaiju has grown into a global artistic movement, inspiring independent artists and designers to create original interpretations of these larger-than-life creatures.
Arturo created this display simply to bring something fun and unexpected to the community—an opportunity to spark curiosity and introduce visitors to a world they may not yet be familiar with. To enhance the experience, he has also included QR codes throughout the exhibit that link directly to each artist’s Instagram page, allowing visitors to explore the creators and their work beyond the display.
Arturo has spent several years building his collection, drawn to the craftsmanship and creativity behind each piece. This exhibit reflects that passion and invites the community to engage with art in a new and accessible way.
We encourage you to visit the Crown Point Library throughout May to experience this colorful and captivating display. Whether you’re discovering Kaiju Sofubi for the first time or are already a fan, this exhibit offers something truly unique.
To learn more about Arturo and his collection, visit his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/abelhefe
The Friends of the Crown Point Library’s mission is to enhance and promote the use and enjoyment of the library. They raise funds to support library programs and services, as well as to help fund items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget.
Become a member:
Membership is open to all individuals and families who want involvement in the library. Members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and to actively participate in book sales, other events, and projects. The membership year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. All dues are paid annually.
The membership dues are as follows:
Life – $150;
Family – $15;
Individual – $10
Membership forms are available at both library locations, or you can download the membership form and return it to:
Friends of the Crown Point Library
122 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
What we do:
As a Friend, you will play a critical role in your library’s and community’s success.
ADVOCATE – Friends are a voice for the Library on relevant, local, state, and national issues.
ENGAGE – Friends spread the word within the community, stimulating greater awareness of the Library and its resources.
SUPPORT – Friends volunteer at fundraising events and library events as needed.
FUNDRAISE – Friends fundraising activities, such as Bunco for Books, literary luncheons, bus trips,and book sales generate revenue to fund items not generally covered in the Library’s budget, and to sponsor programs such as the summer and winter reading events, author talks, concerts, library book discussion groups, Book Baby Bags, and a variety of literacy outreach services.
Meetings:
Curious to see what the Friends of the Library are doing? Attend a meeting! Meetings are held quarterly on the second Tuesday of the month, alternating times at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the meeting rooms at the Crown Point location.
2025 Meeting Dates:
February 11 at 10 a.m., May 13 at 6 p.m., September 9 at 6 p.m., December 9 at 10 a.m.
Residents of Center Township and Winfield Township are eligible for a free Crown Point Community Library card.
You can apply in person at either library location or online through our website.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Adults (18 and older):
Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your current address.
Photo ID options: State-issued ID with current address, Passport, Military ID, Official School ID, or Matricula Consular
Proof of address: Rental agreement, utility bill, or checkbook showing your local address
Minors (17 and younger):
A parent or guardian must sign the application.
TEACHER CARDS
Teachers working in schools within the Crown Point Community Library service area apply for a Teacher Library Card. Please provide proof of current employment, such as a recent pay stub or an official school ID.
RECIPROCAL BORROWERS
The Crown Point Community Library card is honored at all Indiana libraries that participate in reciprocal borrowing, including many in Northwest Indiana.
You must be in good standing with our library before other libraries will issue you a reciprocal card.
Residents of the Lake County Public Library District can obtain a CPCL card with proper identification.
Patrons from other library districts may receive a CPCL card after completing an application and confirming their home library account is in good standing.
Note: Reciprocal borrowers have the same borrowing privileges as CPCL patrons, except for access to eBooks and downloadable audiobooks.
This May, the Crown Point Library is proud to showcase a one-of-a-kind community collection from local collector Arturo Blanco. With the help of his wife, Arturo has carefully curated and installed a vibrant display of Kaiju Sofubi figures, offering visitors a unique glimpse into an imaginative art form rooted in Japanese pop culture.
