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!
Regular Museum Hours
Please check this page for schedule changes before traveling.
Tuesday––Saturday
12:00––5:00 PM Eastern Time
ALTERNATE HOURS –– PLEASE NOTE:
The Museum will be CLOSED Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 23rd–25th, 2023. Regular hours resume Tuesday, November 28th.
Saturday, December 23, 2023 will be the Museum’s last open day in 2023. Regular hours resume Tuesday, January 2nd.
Walk-in visitors are always welcome during regular hours. No appointment needed!
Morning and evening tours are available by appointment. Schedule an after-hours visit by emailing museum@debsfoundation.org or calling 812-232-2163.
COVID-19 Info
- Masks are recommended but not required for admission. We offer free surgical masks at the door.
- 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.
Virtual Tours
We offer personal virtual tours as an alternative to in-person visits. For more information, write to museum@debsfoundation.org.
What to Expect
Following the example of Kate and Eugene Debs, we strive to create a welcoming environment. A trained museum guide will offer each guest a 30-90 minute guided tour, depending on visitor preference and staff availablility. 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
The Debs Museum is not ADA compliant at this time. 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.
