Engman Natatorium
Many local residents fondly remember the Natatorium as the place where generations of children learned to swim. In sharp contrast to these sentimental emotions, the reality of this building is that it represented, and still represents for many African-Americans, a painful memory as one of the last legally enforced segregated public buildings in the City of South Bend. The Natatorium is a compelling, public symbol of the local struggle for civil rights and will be a permanent home for the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center. A collaborative project with the South Bend Heritage Foundation, the City of South Bend, and IU South Bend, the renovated Natatorium will also further develop and enhance the West Washington Street "Museum Row" in South Bend.
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Divided Waters: Healing a Community's Past, In association with New Group Media
Excutive producer: Dina Harris, associate producer: Monica Tetzlaff
History
The Natatorium, a public swimming pool, was built in the 1920's, but was segregated. In the 1930's the Black community demanded access to the building. It wasn't until the 1950's when the NAACP threatened legal action that African Americans were given free access to the structure. This edifice represents on ongoing commitment to Civil Rights and the struggle that existed in South Bend. It is a significant landmark. Fundraising is underway for the adaptive reuse of the building, with programming, that includes a quiet research area, an active lecture room, local history display area, and a Peace Garden, like the one at Martin Luther King's home in Montgomery, Alabama.
Prisms at the Natatorium
Your contribution will help support construction costs for the Natatorium. Giving a gift of $250 will be recognized with a Natatorium prism. The Natatorium prisms - like stars in the sky - will be placed in the deep blue, tiled, 40-foot wall in the Peace Garden. Alumni, friends, and organizations can leave their mark at the Natatorium and IU South Bend. Prisms can be engraved with a name, or be used to memorialize or honor someone. There are no more than 350 prisms available. Take this rare opportunity to have your name become a visible part of the Engman Natatorium history. Your contribution will help support construction costs.
Don and Barb Rowe chose a prism to honor Charles Martin Sr. Mr. Martin devoted his life to helping young people realize their highest goals. He started many programs to help students achieve a high quality of life. Heather and John Novak donated $250 for a Natatorium prism, with an inscription of "Live Your Love Loud". They chose this saying as a way to memorialize Heather's mom, as well as honor the rest of their family. Howard and Marie Goodhew wanted to honor Charles Orgain, the first African American custodian in the South Bend Schools. They chose Mr. Orgain because of the difference he made in children's lives.
Prisms at the Engman Natatorium - on the Peace Garden wall - your name, or a loved one - at the Natatorium - perhaps for centuries. To make a donation, or for questions, please contact Dina Harris, Director of Foundation Relations at 574-520-4131 or Diharris@iusb.edu.
