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Perfectly designed for special events, the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory includes a large, open space and a peaceful lower area with a small waterfall and mature tropical plants.
Our History
Designed and built in the 1960’s by Lord & Burnham, one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent designers of greenhouses, the Conservatories were gifts from Ella Morris and the Muessel-Ellison Foundation to the people of South Bend.
Our Mission
The Friends of Potawatomi Conservatories celebrate the ecology, beauty, and cultural significance of plants through public gardens in and around the conservatories of Potawatomi Park.
In furtherance of this mission, the Friends of Potawatomi Conservatories care for the gardens, host educational programming, and facilitate public use of the gardens.
Meet Our New Executive Director!
The Desert Dome has a circular path around a sunken area filled with cacti, agave, and other examples of arid environment plants.
A multi-functional facility, the Ella Morris Conservatory includes a meeting room and a large growing room with a lovely fountain and winding paths through tropical plants.
Kelsi Rakevet brings a dynamic blend of heritage preservation, executive business strategy, and hands-on operational leadership to her role as Executive Director of the Friends of Potawatomi Conservatory, Inc.
With an undergraduate background in fine arts, historic preservation and museum studies, Kelsi possesses a deep appreciation for cultural institutions, historical stewardship, and community-centered educational programming. She complements this foundation with an Executive MBA from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, equipping her with high-level expertise in financial management, organizational strategy, and sustainable growth.
Having served as the Operations Coordinator for the Potawatomi Conservatories over the past 10 months, Kelsi has intimate, first-hand knowledge of the facility's day-to-day management, programming, and community engagement efforts. Her career spans over 15 years across business operations, executive leadership, sales management, and strategic marketing. As a seasoned entrepreneur, consultant, and operational strategist, Kelsi seamlessly combines inside operational continuity with high-level vision to ensure the long-term vitality, brand growth, and community outreach of the Potawatomi Conservatory.