The Eugene V. Debs Museum is the former house of Eugene V. Debs and Katherine Metzel Debs. After changing hands for many years, it was purchased in 1962 by a small group of Terre Hautians who had a strong admiration for Debs. It is now owned and operated by the Debs Foundation as a free museum.
The interior of the museum features many of Debs’ possessions and other artifacts from his lifetime. We count on our guests’ respectful treatment of the collections.
The museum is open to the public and admission is free.
A $5 donation is appreciated — you can support the Eugene V. Debs Foundation via an online donation or donate in person at the house!
End-of-Year Closing
The museum will close at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, and re-open at noon on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. Limited tours may be available by appointment; inquire at museum@debsfoundation.org.
Regular Museum Hours
Tuesday––Saturday
12:00––5:00 PM Eastern Time
Walk-Ins Always Welcome
Morning and evening tours are available by appointment. Schedule an after-hours visit by emailing museum@debsfoundation.org or calling 812-232-2163.
Virtual Tours
We offer personal virtual tours as an alternative to in-person visits. For more information, write to museum@debsfoundation.org.
Help Us Stay Open
For the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests, please observe the following:
- Masks are currently required with no exceptions and regardless of vaccination status. Masks must fit well and cover both the mouth and nose.
- All guests must provide accurate contact information upon arrival. This will be used for contact tracing if necessary.
- Please exercise extra caution –– and consider postponing your visit –– if planning to travel from an area with high transmission of COVID-19. If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, please reschedule your visit. There is no penalty for cancellation.
We reserve the right to refuse admission if these requirements are not observed. These guidelines and procedures are subject to change depending on pandemic conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Not a traveler? Stuck in quarantine? Try a live virtual tour at home.
What to Expect
Following the example of Kate and Eugene Debs, we strive to create a welcoming environment. A trained docent will offer each guest a one- or two-hour guided tour. Abbreviated tours are available upon request. Amenities include a gift shop, guest seating in each room, and a first-floor single-occupancy restroom. Photography (minus flash) is encouraged. Advance permission from the museum director is required for videography.
Physical Accessibility
Currently, the Debs Museum is not ADA compliant. The first floor is accessed via six steps up to the front porch entrance. Our ongoing restoration project includes the construction of a wheelchair ramp to the first floor. The second and third floors are only accessible via winding staircases. Upon request, docents can provide in-person guests with pre-recorded or live video tours of the second and third floors. Full-length virtual tours are always available.
