The different ethnic groups that have played a part in the Hoosier state’s heritage are explored in the Indiana Historical Society traveling exhibition, "Who Do You Think You Are?" opening Friday, April 5th through Sunday, April 28th, at Portage Community Historical Society Alton Goin Museum, located in Countryside Park, 5250 US Hwy 6, Portage, across from Camelot Bowling Lanes. We are open Saturday and Sundays 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM each weekend day. Fridays by appointment, only. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCHS88
Using photographs, maps, statistics and graphics drawn from the Society’s collections and institutions from around that state, the exhibition examines what defines an ethnic group; how and why immigrants migrated to the United States and Indiana; where these different groups settled; and home and family life, recreation and religion in the new country.
In 1850, the five largest ethnic groups within Indiana were the Germans, Irish, English, Canadians and French. Marion County possessed the largest foreign-born population. Today, the Mexican and Asian-born peoples rival the Germans for being the largest ethnic group in the state, and Lake County has supplanted Marion County in having the largest foreign-born population.
Since 1988, the Portage Community Historical Society has been connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and disseminating the township’s history. In celebrating our 25th anniversary of the society, we will be celebrating our pioneer heritage by having history and pictures on display of our early settlers: Blake, Crisman, Dombey, Hamstrom, McCool, Robbins, Samuelson, Wolf and others. Museum opening weekend: April 5, 6, & 7 - Hours 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM