Trapping and Trading: The Fur Trade
Tools of the Blacksmith
Heritage Tours
Special Events
BCHA Signature Event: Alexander Hamilton
Support the Berrien County Historical Association for the Signature Event on Thursday, October 25. Featuring Eben Kuhns as Alexander Hamilton.
Can't stop singing the songs to the hit musical "Hamilton"? Want to learn more about the man who inspired the lyrics and events portrayed? Come out to Lake Michigan Mendel Center on Thursday, October 25, to listen to Eben Kuhns who will portray Alexander Hamilton for the Berrien County Historical Association's Signature Event. Registration is required. Tickets are $75 per person or $500 for a table of 8. The evening includes a silent auction, a first-person portrayal of Alexander Hamilton, and a meal. Proceeds go to support BCHA. To make your reservation or for more information, call 269-471-1202.
Special Exhibits and Popular Attractions
The Courthouse Museum: Featured Left, The Fur Trade
Trade in pelts such as beaver, muskrat, mink and otter was Michigan's first industry. Despite popular belief, almost all the trapping was done by Indians, not Europeans. English and French Traders exchanged goods for pelts, but did little trapping themselves. Furs, especially beaver were extremely valuable in Europe for clothing and hats. A trader could easily make his fortune with a few canoe loads of furs. Come see all our museum exhibits.
Tools of the Blacksmith
Recreated on the site is a working forge to illustrate the importance of blacksmiths in small communities.
1839 Courthouse Restored
Completed in 1839, Berrien County's Greek Revival-style courthouse was designed by local architect Gilbert Avery. After the county seat was moved to St. Joseph in 1894, the 1839 courthouse saw use as a community center, dance hall, militia training site, church and school. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the 1839 Courthouse and surrounding buildings in Courthouse Square is one of the oldest surviving government complexes in the Midwest.
Free Public Programs
The 2018 Summer Program Series
The History of Michigan Fishing Lures
Join Al Whitfield at the History Center for a history of Michigan fishing lures!
Are you an avid fisher? Fascinated by the intricate details of fishing lures? Visit the History Center on Sunday, September 23, as Al Whitfield provides a history of our local fishing lures!
The Common Soldier in the American Revolution
Bob and Candace Myers visit their old stomping grounds to portray a common soldier and the female counterpart of the Revolutionary War!
Bob and Candace Myers will portray a common soldier and female counterpart of the Revolutionary War through reproduction clothing and equipment. Learn what Alexander Hamilton's troops were like during the war for Independence.
Kindle Your Christmas Spirit Open House
Christmas Time is Here! Visit the History Center during this Village-wide open house.
Kick off the Christmas Season with the annual village celebration. Join the History Center and the Trinity Lutheran School for carols in the courthouse, log cabin living, the exhibit space in the Sheriff's Residence, and live blacksmith demonstrations in the forge!
Educational Programs and Services
Schedule a Program or Service Today!
Outreach programs are available for either day or evening presentations, depending on staff availability. To schedule a program for your organization, call the Berrien County Historical Association at (269) 471-1202, or email us at info@berrienhistory.org.
Program fees: Outreach programs are $60 each. Multiple programs on the same day and location are $60 for the first program and $30 for each additional program. Mileage is charged for programs presented at locations outside of Berrien County.
Gift Shop
Welcome to the History Center's New Gift Shop
The Museum Store carries a varied selection of local and regional history books, children’s books, American Girl books, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, home décor, and much more!
See more... Books for Sale ...here.
Historic Walking Tour of St. Joseph
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