Our Story
Railroad car heiress and philanthropist Catherine Barker Hickox built Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in 1929 as a memorial to her father and his children.
Since then Barker Hall has been at the center of Michigan City's social and cultural life hosting events as varied as opera, rock and roll concerts, corporate dinners, and wedding receptions.
Much of the architecture, light fixtures, furniture, art, even the fine China available for use at Barker Hall, remains original, dating from 1929 when Catherine Barker Hickox donated it to the city.
The facility continues to be available to the community at reasonable rates fulfilling the intent of Catherine Barker Hickox that Barker Hall be "dedicated to the people".
The Great Hall offers dinner seating for 180 and concert seating for 400. Events can include wedding receptions, theatrical plays, concerts, banquets, meetings and more. Full-service catering provided by Great Lakes Catering and wedding and party planning services are available; and a motorized stair lift is able to transport disabled guests to the second floor.
For smaller events, the Bishop’s Mansion offers an elegant venue with seating up to 40. This site offers all of the same historic elegance in a home type setting which is perfect for showers, rehearsals or even small meetings.
Anyone interested in renting or touring or visiting Barker Hall of the Bishop’s Mansion, 600 Franklin St., should call (219) 874-4355.
