Nifty Fifty!
2025 marks the Courthouse Square’s 50th year as a museum and we’re celebrating all year long.
Consider supporting our efforts through a donation to our 2025 campaign Nifty, Fifty!
100% – that’s the amount of your donation that is tax-deductible and how much is invested into the museum’s on-going needs. Give today for tomorrow’s stories!
The Generosity of Others
The Berrien County Historical Association is a 501(c)3 as defined by the IRS and all assets currently owned by the BCHA are held in public trust. 100% of all income is reinvested into the museum’s general budget. The museum does invest additional dollars into our endowment and reserves account, which are designed for long-term and emergency support for the museum. The endowment is held in trust via the Berrien Community Foundation while the reserves are an internal account that the BCHA manages directly.
The unique needs of museums can be costly, which is why financial support from our communities is important to the future well-being of the thousands of artifacts currently in our care. Therefore, the BCHA works to diversify its funding sources to ensure that every supporter can find a way to invest in the future of Berrien County’s history. Please see our current funding sources below.
Current Funding Sources
- Berrien County (via the Parks Department)
- Museum memberships
- General museum admission
- Gift Shop sales from On the Docket Books & Gifts
- Exhibit & program sponsorship & admission fees
- Tours & talks
- Research fees
- Grants (i.e. Michigan Humanities, etc.)
- General & restricted donations from the public
It should be noted that restricted funds are held in trust until the project commences.
Donations to the BCHA are tax-deductible but sponsorships may be subjected to other reporting. We encourage all donors to discuss their charitable giving with an accountant or other tax professional. Charitable giving reports can be provided to donors upon request.
On-going Projects and Needs
As we continue to work with the county to maintain these historic structures and work to find room in our collections for new items everyday, our work as a historical association is never completely done. Which is why fundraising campaigns are necessary to ensure that every story entrusted into our care receives it.
From time to time, the BCHA seeks funding for specific projects to help advance our mission. At this time, we are seeking financial support for the following projects. If you are interested in donating toward one or more, please contact the director at rcizon@berrienhistory.org!
Niles Daily Star Newspaper Storage
Project estimated cost: $2,500
The BCHA has agreed to house the archives of Leader Publications. Due to the extensive nature of these holdings, the BCHA has to store this collection in the Records Building. While the lack of temperature controls in the space will not cause overt harm to the collection, there are potential dangers from other uncontrolled environmental issues. Therefore the BCHA is seeking financial assistance to purchase temporary materials to house these items until they can be moved to a traditional archival vault in the near future.
Burnham Heritage Garden
Phase 2 estimated cost: $5,000
The Burnham Heritage Garden (formerly know as the Murdock Heritage Garden), was established in 2000 as an MSU Master Gardner project. Unfortunately, the group ceased care of the garden and the meager staff of the BCHA was unable to maintain the garden. Left to deteriorate, the Heritage Garden came under renewed focus in 2021.
Staff redeveloped a plan for the use of the space that allowed the garden to serve as a fifth interpretive location on the grounds. As with the Forge and Cabin, it would be seasonal in nature, but allow for the use of plants to explore shared history. Under this new plan, the garden would include:
- New planter boxes
- Nearby expansion to include fruit trees and vines
- Changeable interpretive signs
- Gabezo or sun sail for guests
- New seating
- New gravel in the main area
In 2022, new planter boxes and gravel were added by Nikki Burnham as part of her senior project for Berrien Springs High School. In 2024, edging bricks were secured to corral the gravel (to be installed in 2025 due to weather) and the Berrien Springs Garden Club began care of the boxes.
Phase 2 would include the gazebo, new seating, expansion, and signage. Upon the completion of the project, donors from Phase 1 and 2 will be listed on a plaque to be installed in the gazebo. A special unveiling will occur at the end of the project where supporters and donors will enjoy refreshments and our new gazebo!