Civil Rights Heritage Center facts for kids

The Civil Rights Heritage Center (CRHC) is a special place in South Bend, Indiana. It was started by students and teachers at Indiana University South Bend. Its main goal is to study and share the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the local area.

This center is located in an old building called the Engman Public Natatorium. This building used to be South Bend's first public swimming pool. For almost 30 years, it did not allow African Americans to swim there, or it made them swim separately. Now, the CRHC works to keep the story of the Civil Rights Movement alive. It also teaches about race relations in South Bend. The center offers education, research, and discussions. It helps us understand human rights and challenges for the future.

The Engman Natatorium opened in 1922. It was a swimming pool only for white people at first. It didn't fully allow everyone until 1950. The pool closed in 1978 and was empty for many years. Thanks to the hard work of students, teachers, the City of South Bend, and other groups, the building was fixed up. It is now the home of the Civil Rights Heritage Center.

History of the Center

The Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center began in 2000. It was inspired by IU South Bend students. These students took a course called Freedom Summer.

On May 14, 2000, sixteen students, teachers, and staff went on a 15-day bus trip. They traveled through the Southern United States. Their goal was to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. They wanted to experience history in a real way. They walked where civil rights leaders walked. They ate where they ate. They also talked with more than twenty people who lived through this important time.

These students came back from their trip in 2000. They then decided to create the Civil Rights Heritage Center. They wanted to record, save, and share the stories of people who fought for fairness.

Their studies led them to learn about the old Engman Public Natatorium. This building was South Bend's first city swimming pool. At the time, it was empty and falling apart. The students led the effort to turn this building into the new home for the Center.

In May 2010, the Engman Natatorium became the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center. Many local people and groups helped with money. This special rebirth of the public pool was honored in 2011. South Bend was named an All-America City. The center also received a Freedom Award in 2014. It now honors the local people who helped with civil rights. It shows a story of strength and success. It stands as a sign of fairness won in a community that wants to heal its past.