COLUMBIA CITY, IN – April 17, 2025 – Columbia City Connect, an Indiana Main Street and National Main Street Center affiliate, has received a Historic Preservation Education Grant from Indiana Humanities for its innovative project, “Windows into History: Discovering Columbia City’s Past.” This initiative will transform downtown Columbia City storefronts into vibrant displays of local history, creating an engaging and accessible way for residents and visitors to explore the city’s rich heritage.
“Windows into History” will feature eye-catching window decals on downtown storefronts, highlighting historic figures, pivotal events, and iconic architectural landmarks that have shaped Columbia City. Researched and written by the Whitley County Historical Museum, these displays will offer a self-guided historical experience, bringing untold stories to life for all who stroll through the area.
Each decal will include a QR code linking to Columbia City Connect’s Digital Historic Tour, a platform partially funded by a 2022 Historic Preservation Education Grant. The tour provides archival images, detailed narratives, and stories behind downtown buildings, allowing users to dive deeper into the history behind each display.
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant and build on the success of our Digital Historic Tour and ‘Where Are We Wednesdays’ initiatives,” said Niki Keister, Executive Director at Columbia City Connect. “‘Windows into History’ will make Columbia City’s past more tangible and accessible, inviting everyone to connect with our community’s unique story.”
To celebrate the project’s launch, Columbia City Connect and the Whitley County Historical Museum will host a Downtown History Tour on Saturday, May 3, with guided walks departing from the Courthouse Gazebo at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM. The tour will offer a firsthand look at the stories soon to be featured in the storefront displays.
By showcasing the stories behind its storefronts, “Windows into History” aims to foster a greater appreciation for Columbia City’s cultural heritage and underscore the value of preserving its historic character.
To learn more about Windows into History and explore the stories behind the displays, visit columbiacityconnect.com or whitleymuseum.com.
