Historic Home & Event Venue

Our Story 

The Fowler House Mansion is one of the finest existing examples of Gothic architecture in the midwest. It was completed in 1852 by Moses and Eliza Fowler then renovated and expanded in 1917 by their grandson Cecil and his wife Louise. Read more about this amazing family here.

 By 1941 Cecil and Louise were empty nesters and having grown older, no longer wished to live in such a large home. After almost 90 years in the Fowler family the house was sold to the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. The house became the home for the Associations offices, collections and served as the County Museum. The Association closed the museum in 2005, although it was still partially used for offices, storage and rented out for weddings and other events.

By 2014, the Association had determined that operating a special events venue was well outside of its mission and staff capabilities and that TCHA needed a more modern facility in order to provide for the proper curation environment and preservation standards required to care for and exhibit its collections. Thus the difficult decision was made to place the property for sale.

In 2015 Matt Jonkman founded The 1852 Foundation to purchase, restore, preserve and operate this landmark and allow it to once again be enjoyed by our community. Under their stewardship, The Fowler House provided tours and educational events. It also operated as a restaurant and special event venue. The 1852 Foundation completed significant improvements to the property that will benefit it for generations to come!

In 2026 the Ward family purchased the Fowler House and had the privilege of becoming the fifth owners of the home since its foundation in 1852. The family is dedicated to maintaining the historic integrity of the home while continuing to offer private events for the benefit and enjoyment of our community.