Local museum encourages community to take advantage of free museum days

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream the world would one day understand what it was like to walk in his shoes and both The History and Studebaker National Museum gave kids the chance to do just that with free admission Monday. 

Every day Nahson Williams wakes up he’s grateful for his job at the history museum. As a kid, he loved learning about his hometown and the people that came before him.

“Growing up I always loved history so my mother would you know, she’s not a real big history person so getting her to take me to a history museum was not easy," said Williams, a member of the visitor services team.

Always seeking more knowledge, Williams used school holidays to convince his mom to take advantage of free museum days.

Marketing director Marilyn Thompson says it’s been a tradition for over ten years now, but less community members are taking advantage.

“We want to make sure that we are encouraging the community especially on a day when schools are not in to come and visit and to enjoy their local history," said Thompson.

For many kids days off from school are usually not spent learning about history.

Williams says his goal — especially on a day like today honoring Martin Luther King Jr. — is to use his role as a guide to help all visitors see life from the perspective of some of the most impactful leaders of the world.

“I believe that this museums mission parallels just that. You know providing a space so kids can learn about you know the history of the town on and about the founders of the town and the people you know that make Indiana what is is today," said Williams.

While the museum doesn’t offer free admission every day, Thompson says even making one visit can help change your kids life for the better.

“We think that it just helps everyone to think better to, to be more to have a better experience with the community, with the world around them," said Thompson.