Do you remember the Giudice Ice Cream Parlor in Coloma? This ten cent coin was recently donated to the museum and has stumped the historical society members. Where was this business located and what years did it operate. If you have any information please call the museum at 269-468-3330.

Summer Time Travelers Program

The North Berrien Historical Museum will hold a Summer Time Travelers educational program on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, from 9 am to Noon. Summer Time Travelers invites all kids ages 5 – 12 to take a trip to the past and experience life in years gone by with a hands-on, interactive and fun tour through time.

Music in the past is the theme we will explore on June 24. Using real historic artifacts, activities, demonstrations, and crafts, participants will discover local music history. Join us to:
· View Native American drumming and try immigrant dances
· Pretend you are a famous jazz musician at Paw Paw Lake
· Learn how to play music with household objects
· See historic instruments and music players through time
· Play music bingo and musical chairs with a new twist
· Create your own instrument and candy iPod to take home

Designed for kids ages 5 – 12, Summer Time Travelers is meant to inspire an interest in history and in historical museums. The program is offered at the North Berrien Historical Museum on three dates with unique themes this summer: Music on June 24, Travel on July 15, and Food on August 12. The programs are free of charge but advance registration is required.

For more information contact Tracy Gierada, Director of Education, at (269) 468-3330.

Port-a-Pit Chicken Fundraiser and Family Day at Museum on June 13

The North Berrien Historical Museum will hold its annual Port-a-Pit Chicken Fundraiser on Saturday, June 13 from 12 – 5 pm. Individual half-chickens and pork chops are $5 while a full meal is $8. Tickets are available pre-sale at the museum and or on the day of the barbeque.

The museum’s 4.5 acre grounds will be open for picnicking and admission will be free to the main gallery, Print Shop and Nichols Agricultural Building. Family-friendly activities including a treasure hunt, face painting, and 19th century toys will be offered for visitors of all ages. In addition, the Coloma-Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce will have its 2009 raffle motorcycle on display.

The public is encouraged to enjoy the museum’s activities and then head down to Baker Park to attend Coloma’s 175th birthday celebration. Food and utensils can be taken to-go at any time between 12 and 5 pm.

The North Berrien Historical Museum is open for extended summer hours through October; Wednesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm.