Permanent Exhibits
Across our four buildings, guests can enjoy a range of permanent exhibits that explore the story of Berrien County’s past. From Berrien County: Our Storied Past inside the 1839 Courthouse to the history of Berrien County’s sheriffs, there is something for everyone.
Many of our newly renovated exhibits are family friendly, with interactive games and even selfie stations to make your visit to the museum a memorable experience!
Current renovation: The lower level of the Sheriff’s Residence is nearing the end of the first leg of its renovation. Please pardon our dust!
On Display in 2022
Global Titan: The Story of Buchanan’s Clark Equipment Company
January 19 – April 3, 2022
Against the Grain: Wood and Our Daily Lives
April 13 – July 4, 2022
The Melodious Faithful: The Musical History of the House of David
July 13 – October 2, 2022
Sew Gorgeous: The Quilts of the BCHA’s Collections
October 12 – December 23, 2022
All temporary exhibits are available to view during our normal business hours and are free to the public. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our exhibits, please contact us at 269-471-1202 or email Rhiannon at rcizon@berrienhistory.org!
Past Exhibits
Chalkdust: School Life in Berrien County ( October 6 – December 24, 2021)
Curious Curios: The Strange and Wonderful World of the BCHA’s Collections (July 28 – September 19, 2021)
Batter, Batter SWING! Baseball in Southwest Michigan (May 26 – July 18, 2021)
And the Winner is. . .: The Queens of Blossomtime (March 24 – May 16, 2021)
Historic Rituals: The Freemasons of Berrien County (January 13 – March 7, 2021)
To the Polls: Elections and Politics in SW Michigan (October 1 – November 23, 2020)
Nineteen: Suffrage in Southwest Michigan (July 22 – September 20, 2020)
A Walk in the Park: Green Spaces & Parks of Berrien County (June 13 – July 12, 2020)
A Community Curated: A Cup of Sugar (March 11 – 22, 2020)
Through a Child’s Eyes: Creative Kids 2020 (March 11 – 22, 2020)
Wish You Were Here: A BCHA Collections Exhibit (January 15 – February 29, 2020)
Virtual-only Exhibits
Travelling Exhbits
Location: Niles District Library, 620 E. Main Street
NDL invites you to celebrate Women’s History Month with a new display in the Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery, located in the library rotunda. In the years leading up to full suffrage for all women in Michigan, the fight was contentious, passionate, and filled with united voices. Women from all walks of life fought passionately for the rights of full citizenship and with it, reminded the world that no voice could be held back. Visitors will get a glimpse into the fight for suffrage in Michigan and learn about the key players in the game, including Niles’ own Lottie Jackson. This exhibit is modified from the 2020 exhibit, “Nineteen: Women’s Suffrage in Southwest Michigan” and is on loan from the Berrien County Historical Association in Berrien Springs.
In addition to items loaned by the BCHA, the exhibit features loans from Niles Resident Mary Ellen Drolet and the Niles History Center