October 20, 2011
10/21/11 The Marshall County Museum is hosting a special dinner and film event on Friday, November 4th beginning at 6 p.m. The fundraising event starts with a catered dinner of swiss- steak with side dishes. Following dinner, participants will watch “The Gunness Mystery.” a documentary, detailing the life of one of the most prolific female serial killers in history. In the late 1800s, Belle Gunness emigrated from a small town in Norway to the bustling city of Chicago.
Following the death of her first husband, she moved with several of her foster children to a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Belle began reaching out to men across the Midwest through a series of want ads in Scandinavian newspapers.
Those who answered her ads were promised a bright future as a partner in her farm. They were also told to sell their belongings, bring only cash, and not tell anyone where they were going. Those who came were never seen again.
Rumor and misinformation surrounded the life and death of LaPorte’s infamous Belle Gunness. Historian, teacher and documentarian, Bruce Johnson has been setting the record straight through careful research. Steve Ruminski and Johnson turned the project into an acclaimed documentary film that is gaining national attention. Johnson and Ruminski will present the film and answer questions afterwards.
Tickets are $14 and must be purchased in advance at the museum. Reservations must be in by Oct. 28.