Notre Dame Students' Stand Against KKK Honored in Centennial Exhibit

A local exhibit is honoring Notre Dame students standing up to the Ku Klux Klan 100 years ago.Photo by(WSBT Photo)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — The St. Joseph County Public Library is commemorating a pivotal moment in local history with a new exhibit, "Resist," which honors Notre Dame students' courageous stand against the Ku Klux Klan 100 years ago.

A century ago this week, the KKK organized a three-day rally in South Bend aimed at intimidating minority groups and Catholics. In an act of defiance, Notre Dame students confronted the Klan, leading to a significant clash.

Brian Harding, the Executive Director of the History Museum, recounted the students' bold actions. "They actually threw potatoes at them. The Klan headquarters was in the building directly across the street. The students threw potatoes through those windows, breaking them and trying to extinguish the red lights on the cross at that point," he explained.

This exhibit, located in the downtown South Bend library, opens to the public today and will run for five months. It offers an in-depth look at how the Notre Dame community stood up to hate and bigotry, highlighting a chapter of local history that showcases bravery and resistance.

The "Resist" exhibit features photographs, documents, and personal accounts from the 1924 confrontation, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the events. It also aims to educate the public about the broader historical context of the KKK's presence in Indiana and the widespread resistance they faced.

Local historians and community leaders hope the exhibit will serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of standing against intolerance. The library encourages families, students, and community members to visit and reflect on this significant moment in South Bend's history.

As the exhibit opens, it promises to be a poignant and educational experience for all who attend, celebrating the legacy of those who courageously stood against the forces of hatred.