Trapping and Trading: The Fur Trade
Tools of the Blacksmith
Heritage Tours
Special Events
Signature Event - Amelia Earhart
The History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs presents their Signature Event featuring Amelia Earhart, portrayed by Pat Jordan. The evening will begin at 6 pm and will include a social hour, dinner, door prizes, a silent auction, and the portrayal of Amelia Earhart. Tickets are $75 per person (includes $25 tax deductible donation) or $500 for a table of eight (includes $100 tax deductible donation). For more information or to make reservations, please call the History Center at 269-471-1202 or email info@berrienhistory.org. Amelia Earhart continues to fascinate and to inspire. The charismatic, athletic, risk-taking tomboy could charm you with her sparkling eyes, motivate you with her passion, could convince you with her skill. Although she was born in Kansas, Ms. Earhart had solid Philadelphia connections: Amelia attended the Ogontz School, now part of Penn State University, flew a piper cub from Coatesville and spoke about aviation in Germantown. Ms. Earhart was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to actually flying, she wrote aviation books, helped form the Ninety-Nines to support other female pilots, and taught classes at Purdue University’s aviation department. Earhart was active in the political arena as a member of the National Woman’s Party and as a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. A friend to Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, Ms. Earhart took Eleanor flying after FDR told her he didn’t want Eleanor piloting a plane.
Kindle Your Christmas Spirit
This community wide event is a great way to jump-start your holiday celebrations!
While you are enjoying the festive Christmas atmosphere of downtown Berrien Spring, be sure to stop by the History Center at Courthouse Square to see the Trinity Lutheran School Children's Christmas Program or see the Blacksmith demonstration!
Special Exhibits and Popular Attractions
Wisdom Seekers
COMING IN 2016 - ENDING OCT. 2017 The story of Andrews University: From Battle Creek…to Box Cars…to Berrien Springs
Andrews University has been an integral part of our community for more than one hundred years. Generations of local residents and students, as well as students from around the world, all share in its vast history. This exhibit traces the founding of the university from its early days as Battle Creek College in the 1870’s, to the big move to Berrien Springs in 1901, to the impact that Andrews University has on the community today.
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.
Free Public Programs
The 2017 Summer Program Series
The History Center's summer program series returns with exciting presenters! The programs are free of charge thanks to generous sponsorships from the Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Rotary Club and Indiana Michigan Power. All programs are on Thursday Evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the History Center.
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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