Halloween celebrated with Spooky Walking Tours in Coloma and Watervliet

The North Berrien Historical Society invites the general public to join us for a Spooky Walking Tour in Coloma or Watervliet to celebrate Halloween on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The tours will feature spooky stories of ghosts, criminals, UFOs, and other mysterious happenings from our local history, plus fun Halloween trivia.

The first tour will depart from the Watervliet District Library parking lot at 1:00 pm, and cover approximately one mile through downtown Watervliet and the Watervliet Cemetery. The second tour will depart from the Coloma Public Library parking lot at 4:00 pm, covering approximately one mile through downtown Coloma and the Coloma Cemetery.

Each Spooky Walking Tour will last about one hour and costs $2 per person. Tours are family-friendly, but not recommended for children under 7. The programs will go on in rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather.

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

Now on View!

North Berrien Historical Society Annual Dinner

The North Berrien Historical Society held its annual dinner on October 20 at Sarett Nature Center. 45 members attended the dinner and presentation by Sarett director and NBHS member Chuck Nelson. Nelson presented on his recent trip to Madagascar and amazed the audience with stories of spiders, bats, and snakes that inhabit the island.

Dinner was provided by Country Kitchen Catering out of Riverside and was greatly enjoyed by all. Board members Scott Young and Shirley Boone were re-elected to three year terms on the board. Afterward Director Alex Gates presented the annual report commenting on the strength of the organization during these uncertain times.

Lawn Improvements at North Berrien Historical Museum

Lawn improvements are being implemented this fall at the North Berrien Historical Museum. The space between the Carter House and agricultural buildings is being cleared out to increase the lawn space between the two buildings.



For several years the space has been over grown with weeds and large stumps. Problems such as bee hives and poison ivy have made the space off limits for programming.



The area has now been cleard by J&J Lawn Service and work has begun on planting grass in the area. A large open lawn space will be of use for outdoor events throughout the summer months.

Spooky Fall Schedule!

New spooky walking tours are being offered by the North Berrien Historical Society this Halloween. The tours will last approximately one hour and cover "spooky" stories from downtown and the cememtary.



Saturday, October 31 - Spooky Walking Tour of Watervliet, 1pm, $2/ person, departs from Watervliet Library parking lot

Spooky Walking Tour of Coloma, 4pm, $2/ person, departs from Coloma Library parking lot

Brave participants may register at North Berrien Historical Museum or by phone at 269-468-3330.

Now on Display - 175 Years: Objects & Stories from the Permanent Collection

A new display covering the history of North Berrien County is now on view at the North Berrien Historical Museum. The exhibit, 175 Years: Objects & Stories from the Permanent Collection covers the modern history of the region including immigration, tourism, and industry.


North Berrien Residents and Tools of the Trade cases.

Six cases in all have been filled with objects from the collection replacing Hats, Caps & Bonnets: A History of Headwear. 175 Years will be on permanent display for several years as part of the permanent history gallery.


Twin Cities Container Corporation truck, Watervliet Record newspaper engravings, and Watervliet Paper Mill materials.

The North Berrien Historical Museum gallery hours are Wednesday - Friday, 10-4 with weekend hours resuming in April. For more information visit www.northberrienhistory.org or call 269-468-3330.