BRISTOL, Ind. -- Throughout modern history, photographs have been crucial relics that researchers have used to piece together different parts of our past. Locally, the Elkhart County Historical Museum will open its newest exhibit, "Clues Through the Lens" this Tuesday, Jan. 30.

In conjunction with the exhibit, museum staff says they will present a free public program, “Using Photographs to Study Local History” on Friday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. No registration is required for that event.

"Doing good history is an ongoing process of asking questions. Historians investigate, evaluate, and question sources to create as complete an understanding of the past as possible," said Museum Administrator Julie Parke. "'Clues Through the Lens' encourages visitors to participate actively in this process."

Museum staff says themes explored in the exhibit include values, perceptions, and changing landscapes. The exhibit also outlines the history of photography and includes several interactive features.

“This is a ground-breaking approach to an exhibit for us,” said Michelle Nash, the Curator of Collections at the museum. “Rather than simply sharing the history of Elkhart County, we invite folks to be their own history detectives. A lot of the interpretive text is actually questions. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity to see our extensive historic image collection!”

The 'Clues Through the Lens' exhibit will be open though 2026.

"It may just change how you understand our history," Parke said. 

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.