Trapping and Trading: The Fur Trade
Tools of the Blacksmith
Heritage Tours
Special Events
Signature Event 2019 featuring Marcus Winchester
Signature Event 2019 featuring Marcus Winchester
The History Center at Courthouse Square's annual Signature Event returns in 2019! This beloved event features a lively social hour featuring a silent auction and door prizes. Dinner follows and guest will be enthralled by Marcus Winchester's presentation. Winchester, a member of the Pokagon Potawatomi will take audience members on a journey through the strength and resiliency their leaders to save their community from the 1830s Indian Removal Act. Tickets will go on sale September 1, 2019 through October 18th. No tickets will be sold at the door. Individual tickets are $75.00 each (includes a $25.00 tax deductible donation) and tables of 8 are available for $500 each and include a $100 donation deduction.
Special Exhibits and Popular Attractions
Berrien County Horse Shows
Photography exhibit featuring the work of Vasilisa Kiselevich
Photographer Vasilisa Kiselevich turns her eye towards the rich tradition of horse shows in Berrien County. From the Youth Fair and beyond, the special relationship between a horse and its rider is on full display. This exhibit is free to visitors and prints will be available for sale beginning in September.
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
Meet and Great Our New Director
Meet and Great Our New Director
We have some new faces around the Courthouse Square, including a new director! You're invited to come meet Rhiannon Cizon, learn more about her, and see what she has in-mind for our strategic plan. This event is free and light refreshments will be served.
The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan with Taras Lyssenko
The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan with Taras Lyssenko
Taras Lyssenko returns to the History Center for a presentation of his brand new book: "The Great Navy Birds of Lake Michigan: The True Story of the Privateers of Lake Michigan and the Aircraft they Rescued." If you are interested in underwater archaeology and mysteries you do not want to miss Lyssenko's presentation. Free Admission.
Myths & Fables about the House of David
Myths & Fables about the House of David
Intrigue surrounds the House of David and its history, with myths often taking place of the facts. But three researchers have come together to dispel them with this unique panel discussion. Brian Ziebart, Debbie Boyersmith, and Ron Taylor help to set the record straight - opening up the history of the House of David to everyone. Admission is free.
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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