The Latest News
Information about these programs may change before a chance to update the website occurs. To keep up with the latest news, visit our Facebook page or join our mailing list!
Sponsorships Available!
Community partners are important to the success of our programs and events. From reception to advertising, your dollars support every program, giving residents and visitors a chance to dive deep into the amazing history of Berrien County.
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor? Have a program you are excited to support? Contact Rhiannon at rcizon@berrienhistory.org or call 269-471-1202 to start your partnership journey!
History Programming & Community Events
A Drink with History
You’re invited to join the BCHA this year as we raise a glass to Berrien County’s past with an expanded A Drink with History! Guests will enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks while learning about unique topics from area experts. All events are for adults 21 and over, however non-alcoholic options will be made available. Each A Drink with History will start with a social (half) hour before the lecture begins. Some talks will include a flight, some specialty drink tickets, and a couple will be open bar.
Due to space limitations, registration is required for all events and will open one month before each program. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or in person at the museum during regular business hours. All tickets include food, drink/ flight, and lecture. Book tickets include all this plus a book at a special discount! Additional drinks can be purchase from the host site directly. Books or gifts related to the talk may be available for sale and will include a special 15% off discount just for attendees
- The Birch Bark Books of Simon Pokagon
- November 13 at 6:00 p.m.
- Speaker: Dr. Blaire Morceau, Michigan State University & Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
- Location: Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo
- Cost: $50.00 per general ticket or $65.00 per book ticket, purchase tickets here beginning October 1
BCHA on the Move
The BHCA is on the move in the community and we encourage you to come visit us. Events that require admission are indicated below and linked where possible. All questions regarding any events listed below should be directed to the host institution.
Her Eye for Design: New Buffalo Photographer Marguerite Parmalee
New Buffalo City Hall
Free to the Public
Through December 31
Over 30 images from the enigmatic Marguerite Parmalee are on display at the New Buffalo City Hall. From portraiture to landscapes, Parmalee’s eye for design captures her viewers’ attentions. This exhibit can viewed during the building’s regular operating hours.
The Milkman Exhibit
Coloma Public Library
Free to the public
October 11 – November 20
The work of north county resident Andrew Grahn was beyond his work at North Shore Dairy. This exhibit explores his philanthropy, involvement in politics, and he desire to support his community every chance he got. This exhibit can be viewed during the library’s regular operating hours.
To schedule the BCHA, visit here.
Community Events
Flags of Valor with American Legion Post #85
Display: November 1 – November 15
Purchase Period: October 1 – October 28
$20.00 donation per flag; Flags of Valor Application ; payment via check, cash or Venmo
Berrien Springs American Legion Post #85 and the Berrien County Historical Association once again join forces for the 2nd annual Flags of Valor display. Each flag will include the name of a veteran (alive or deceased) and be displayed on the grounds of the Courthouse Square. All applications and payment are directed to the American Legion Post #85 with 100% funds supporting the Post’s operating needs. This year’s event was made possible through the support of Lest We Forget.
Displays & Exhibits
Return later to see upcoming exhibits for you to enjoy!
Haunted History at the Museum
Return in 2026 to see all of our haunted history offerings!
Living Labs
Ask a Curator Hour
4th Saturday of the Month
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free with paid admission to the museum
In 2025, the BCHA is suspending our temporary exhibit schedule to undertake our largest project to date: the review of our collections and archives. With tens of thousands of pieces to be reviewed, our temporary exhibit space inside the Sheriff’s Residence is being converted into a workshop for Curator John Moga and our team of volunteers.
This working lab will be viewable by guests when they visit the Sheriff’s Residence throughout 2025. Staff may be available to chat with visitors about our work, but this many not always be possible. Therefore, we are introducing Ask a Curator Hour each month so John or Rhiannon can take your questions about our collections, the work we’re doing, or even how you can preserve your own history at home! Stop by any time between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the 4th Saturday of the month (unless closed for a holiday) to see what we’re doing to keep your history safe!
Youth Programs & Events
Return in 2026 to see all of our youth-oriented offerings!
Past Events & Exhibits
Previous Event Recordings
Previous & Digital Exhibits
Temporary exhibits 2020
- Wish You Were Here: A BCHA Collections Exhibit
- Through a Child’s Eyes: Creative Kids 2020
- A Community Curated: A Cup of Sugar
- A Walk in the Park: Green Spaces and Parks of Berrien County
- Nineteen: Suffrage in Southwest Michigan / Companion Playlist 1 / Companion Playlist 2
- To the Polls: Elections and Politics in Southwest Michigan
Temporary exhibits 2021
- Historic Rituals: The Freemasons of Berrien County
- And the Winner is. . .: The Queens of Blossomtime
- Batter, Batter SWING! Baseball in Southwest Michigan / Companion Playlist 1 / Companion Playlist 2
- Curious Curios: The Strange and Wonderful World of the BCHA Collections
- Chalkdust: School Life in Berrien County
Temporary exhibits 2022
- Global Titan: The Story of Buchanan’s Clark Equipment Company
- Against the Grain: Wood and Our Daily Lives
- The Melodious Faithful: Music at the House of David Travelling Exhibit
- Sew Gorgeous: Quilts from the BCHA Collections
- The Art of Textiles
Temporary exhibits 2023
- Bitter Battle: The Elections that Changed Berrien County
- Growing Diamonds: The 70th Anniversary of the Berrien Springs Garden Club
- An Acre of Our Own: The Jewish Farmers of Berrien County
Temporary exhibits 2024
- A is for Architecture: An Interactive Look at Berrien County’s Historic Buildings
- B is for Beauty: The Textiles and Accessories of the BCHA Collections
- D is for Drew: The Colorful World of Nancy Swan Drew
- Lights in the Sky: UFO Sightings in Southwest Michigan and Beyond / Companion Playlist
Temporary Exhibits 2025
- Dia de Muertos: Fiesta of the Dead / Companion Playlist
Digital-only Exhibits