The Michigan City Historical Society will host a “Trash & Treasure” sale on the grounds of the Old Lighthouse Museum on Saturday, August 23, from 9am to 1pm CT, and Sunday, August 24, from 11am to 2pm CT.

Why are we having a sale?

Over the past several months, our volunteers have been carefully reviewing the items held in our storage areas. Like many museums, we have, over the many years, acquired or inherited objects that, while interesting, do not directly relate to our mission or to the history of Michigan City. In museum terms, the process of formally removing such items from the permanent collection is called deaccessioning. This is a thoughtful and deliberate process guided by ethical standards, thorough documentation, and careful consideration.

The yard sale is a responsible way to find new homes for these deaccessioned items. These are not artifacts we plan to display in the future, and many have been in storage for many years. Some are duplicates, others have little or no connection to our local story. Offering them for public sale allows us to reclaim valuable storage space, improve organization, and focus our resources on preserving the objects that best represent Michigan City's history.

All proceeds from the yard sale will be directed to the museum’s Collections Fund, which is dedicated exclusively to the continued care, preservation, and responsible acquisition of artifacts. This fund supports a variety of forward-looking initiatives, such as refreshing exhibits, enhancing archival storage conditions, and investing in long-term preservation efforts to ensure the integrity and relevance of our historical holdings for generations to come.

For the sake of public clarity and transparency, museum personnel and board members are not permitted to purchase items from this sale.

Here are some of the items that will be in the sale!
Vintage Photographs/Cartes de Visite, Vintage Men’s Razors/Shaving Items, Antique Sewing Trims, Collection of Miniature Pianos, Antique Bottles, Pan Am Games Memorabilia, Vintage Child’s Tea Set, Unusual/Vintage Telephones, Stereoscopes, Boat Photos/Plans/Photos/Logs, Vintage Photography Equipment, Antique Autograph Books, Chamber Pot, Miscellaneous Paper Ephemera, 100’s of Vintage Postcards, Vintage Valentines, Vintage Wind-Up Toy, Vintage Military Buttons/Insignia, Farm Implements, 1893 Columbian Expo Collectables, Set of 8 Cranberry Glass Cups, Old Honing Stones, 1960s–70s Toys & Train, Antique Laundry/Ironing Items, Pyrographic Art Glove Box, Old Cymbals & Gong, Vintage Scrap & Photo Books, Antique Woodworking Tools, Old Violin, Antique Books, Antique Kitchen Gadgets, High School Yearbooks (duplicate Elstonian’s), Very Old Microscope, Tintype Photos, Vintage Sheet Music, Very Old Carved Wooden Box, 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Items, Candle Mold, Wood Butter Molds, Poster-Size Prints of Early MC Map, Antique Picture Frames, Cow Hoof Pin Cushion, Antique Eyeglasses & Pince-Nez, 100s of Vintage Celebrity Press Pics, Gas-Powered Bicycle Lamp, Beaver Fur Top Hat in Original Box & MUCH MORE!

*Please note that due to the large volume of items, we are unable to provide individual photos or additional information in advance of the sale. We will not be able to hold items ahead of time. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to stop by during the sale to browse the full selection in person.