The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is honored to partner with WNIT Public Television this month in anticipation of their premiere documentary set to air on September 9, 2021 at 8 p.m. on Channel 34.1. The documentary is titled, Then, Now, and Always… The St. Joseph River Story.
The St. Joseph River flows westwardly from its headwaters in southern Michigan, dipping into northern Indiana, flowing through the heart of Mishawaka, and returning back to Michigan where it empties into the Great Lake. It wanders approximately 206 miles in total. By comparison to some other rivers in the world, it is rather humble, but the St. Joseph River has a foundational role in our region and our history. The documentary weaves the story of the St. Joseph River, including the people, history, and life along this storied river from Hillsdale to Lake Michigan. MPHPL is excited to journey along and celebrate with Michiana.
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library will host three events in conjunction with WNIT’s premiere – all are listed below.
We ask our Mishawaka, Granger, Penn and Harris Township residents to embrace this opportunity and engage to learn more about the water that has shaped our heritage and community in countless ways.
August 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom
- Mishawaka Historian Pete DeKever presents via Zoom, When Mishawaka Was the Power City.
August 23-September 17 | Discover St. Joe River’s history along the Mishawaka River Walk
- Eight signs that craft the story of how the St. Joe River has played a rich significance in our Mishawaka economic heritage will be placed along the banks of the St. Joseph River along the Mishawaka River Walk for the community to explore. MPHPL staff has worked diligently to allow smartphone users to scan a QR code on the sign to learn more about the eight areas of significance. An example of one of the signs is featured above.
- We would like to thank the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department for partnering with us on this important project by loaning us the eight metal sign frames used to display our Mishawaka River Walk signs. Also, a special thank you to Mishawaka historian Peter DeKever who worked with our MPHPL staff to verify facts included on our signs.
- Watch our brief YouTube video to learn more.
August 28 | 3 p.m. | Mishawaka Library
- The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library will be hosting our own in person WNIT Mishawaka documentary premiere showing of the WNIT Public Television documentary, Then, Now, and Always…The St. Joseph River Story at Library in the Eisen Room. Light snacks will be served. Registration required.
To learn more about WNIT’s documentary visit www.wnit.org/celebratethestjoe/