Trapping and Trading: The Fur Trade
Tools of the Blacksmith
Special Exhibits and Popular Attractions
Berrien County Historical Association Presents: World War I
Now on Display in the Sheriff's Residence
The History Center at Courthouse Square is proud to announce the long-awaited installation of the World War I exhibition now on display on the main level of the Sheriff’s Residence. The exhibition experience includes items from the History Center’s collections, a booklet developed by the History Center staff, and six panels on loan from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History about US involvement in WWI. The exhibition will be on display through the end of July 2019, and is free to the public.
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.
Tools of the Blacksmith
Recreated on the site is a working forge to illustrate the importance of blacksmiths in small communities.
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.
Free Public Programs
The 2019 Summer Program Series
Coming soon!
The Most Popular Prisoner in the County Jail with Carrie Sharlow
The Most Popular Prisoner in the County Jail with Carrie Sharlow
Learn about Walter Nelson, a lawyer of southwest Michigan who was known as "the lawyer in the House of David case." Carry Sharlow will break down the contributions Nelson made to the law community in this presentation based on her article in the Michigan Bar Journal. Free Admission
Thursdays at Courthouse Square: Fort St. Joseph Revealed with Michael Nassaney
Thursdays at Courthouse Square: Fort St. Joseph Revealed with Michael Nassaney
Michael Nassaney's presentation is based on his newly released book of the same title telling what the last 20 years of archaeology at Fort St. Joseph have revealed about one of the most important French fur trading posts in the western Great Lakes Region. Free Admission.
Christmas in July with Marianne Kordas
Christmas in July with Marianne Kordas
Missing Christmas and Snow? Marianne Kordas, joined by a chorus of talented singers, will provide a concert of Medieval and Renaissance songs that will get you in the holiday spirit. Free Admission
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
Please consider supporting the History Center's historic site, museum, archives and programs.
Pay Pal has been added for your convenience. Thank you!
Join Now!