National Register Listing

Hobart Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Hobart Historical Society Museum

706 E. 4th St., Hobart, IN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  A brief timeline of the history of Carnegie Libraries

  • 1881: Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, begins his philanthropic efforts in library construction by donating funds to build the Braddock Library in Pennsylvania.

  • 1883: The first "Carnegie Library" is officially established in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's birthplace. This library serves as a model for future Carnegie Libraries.

  • 1886: Carnegie writes an article titled "Wealth," where he articulates his belief in philanthropy and the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.

  • 1889: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is established with the aim of funding the construction of libraries across the United States and other English-speaking countries.

  • 1893: The first Carnegie Library in the United States, the Carnegie Library of Braddock in Pennsylvania, is opened to the public.

  • Late 1890s to early 1900s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries spreads rapidly throughout the United States and other parts of the English-speaking world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The libraries are often designed by prominent architects and feature diverse architectural styles.

  • 1901: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is founded as a philanthropic organization to manage and administer Andrew Carnegie's charitable projects, including the library program.

  • 1902: Carnegie makes a significant endowment, donating $10 million to establish the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Institute includes a library, an art gallery, and a natural history museum.

  • 1917: Andrew Carnegie dies, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy, including the establishment of thousands of libraries around the world.

  • 1920s-1930s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries gradually slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining and updating existing libraries to meet changing community needs.

  • Late 20th century to present: Many Carnegie Libraries undergo renovations, expansions, or repurposing to adapt to modern library services and technological advancements. Some continue to operate as public libraries, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, museums, community spaces, or educational institutions.

The Carnegie Libraries have left an indelible mark on the accessibility of knowledge and education. They remain a testament to Andrew Carnegie's belief in the power of libraries to uplift communities and provide opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history library
The first recorded train robbery in the United States took place in Indiana in 1866. A gang of thieves robbed the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad, making off with over $96,000 in cash and gold.
Indiana random facts
Lake County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Miami and Potawatomi, who lived off the land and utilized the resources in the area. European exploration and settlement arrived in the late 1600s, with French fur traders establishing relationships with the Native American tribes.

In the early 1800s, the area that is now Lake County was part of the Indiana Territory, and in 1833, Lake County was officially organized as a separate county. The region experienced rapid growth in the mid-1800s, with the development of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. The construction of the Erie Canal, which connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River, further facilitated economic growth and trade in the area.

The discovery of large amounts of oil in the late 19th century brought significant prosperity to Lake County. Companies such as Standard Oil, founded by John D. Rockefeller, established refineries and fueled the local economy. The county's population grew throughout the 20th century, as people were drawn to the job opportunities and amenities the area offered.

Lake County is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities. Over time, waves of immigrants, including Polish, Irish, German, and Mexican, have settled in the county, leaving a lasting impact on its culture and traditions. Today, Lake County continues to thrive as a major economic hub in the state of Indiana, with a strong manufacturing sector, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a dedication to preserving its historical legacy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lake County, Indiana.

  • 1803 - Treaty of Greenville results in the cession of the land that would become Lake County.
  • 1834 - Lake County is officially established by the Indiana General Assembly.
  • 1837 - The town of Crown Point is designated as the county seat.
  • 1851 - The Lake County Courthouse is completed in Crown Point.
  • 1906 - The Standard Steel Car Company, later known as the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company, is founded in Hammond.
  • 1926 - The first section of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, is completed in Lake County.
  • 1929 - The infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre takes place in Chicago, just across the county line.
  • 1943 - The construction of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore begins, preserving a portion of Lake County's shoreline.
  • 1966 - The city of Gary reaches its peak population of over 178,000 people.
  • 1971 - The Lake County government center is completed in Crown Point, consolidating various county offices.
  • 2009 - The Cabela's retail store opens in Hammond, becoming a popular attraction in Lake County.