Time Travelers Take Flight

The second Time Travelers Program was a success with 53 children taking part in fun activities on June 30.


Tracy covered a history of hot air balloon travel complete with a demonstration on how hot air rises.


The museum grounds were a perfect location to compare the distances between how far early planes flew.


Lee Scherwitz, Director of the SW Michigan Airport answered questions from participants on how airports operate.


Paper airplanes and other flying contraptions were tested out in the museum yard to see how far they can fly.

Tri-City Heritage Tour - Preview 3

The first ever Tri-City Heritage Tour is only one week away. Below are even more sneak peaks at some of the 22 featured heritage sites!


Check out the last surviving Interurban electric train station in Southwest Michigan - located in downtown Coloma.


The former Curtis School building is now a community center in Hagar Township. Check out historic photos of the site, class lists, and other information about the site.


St. Paul's United Church of Christ has served the Bainbridge community since pioneer days. Check out the numerous cemeteries nearby that represent the early religion diversity of the region.


Watervliet has published a local newspaper for 128 years! Stop by the Tri-City Record office to view artifacts, early newspapers, and hear stories about the rich publishing history of the area.

30-year-old time capsule contents on display

On April 28, 2010 the local Cub Scout Pack #610 opened a 30-year-old time capsule that was put together by the 1980 Coloma Cub Scout Pack #664. The cardboard box was wrapped tightly and stored at the Coloma First Congregational United Church of Christ, which had sponsored the Cub Scout Pack in 1980, for the past 30 years.



The original plan was the for the capsule to be opened in 2005 - after 25 years. The capsule was originally created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of scouting - with many artifacts inside relating to the celebration. Newspapers, TV Guides, and local advertisements related to the world in 1980. Picutres, notes, and small momentos from the scouts were also in the capsule.


The time capsule contents are currently on display at the North Berrien Historical Museum throughout the summer. For more information please call the museum at 269-468-3330. More information on Pack #610 can be found on thier blog: http://www.colomapack610.blogspot.com/

Tri-City Heritage Tour - Preview 2

The first ever Tri-City Heritage Tour is quickly approaching. Tour dates are Saturday and Sunday, June 26 & 27, 2010. For more information and a complete list of sites visit tricityheritagetour.wordpress.com.

Below are some more sneak previews of sites on the tour.


Van Buren County Historical Museum/Former Van Buren County Poor House - Hartford Township


Bainbridge Township Hall/Former Bainbridge Center School - Bainbridge Township


Coloma First Congregational United Church of Christ - City of Coloma


Red and White Feedstore - Millburg (Bainbridge Township)

Thank you Entergy!

Thank you to Entergy for their $1000 grant underwriting the cost of The Life Atomic: Growing Up in the Shadow of the A-Bomb. The grant money will be used to off-set the cost of exhibit rental, transportation, bomb shelter construction, and speaker fees. Entergy operates the Palisades Power Plant in Covert, Michigan. This is the first grant the North Berrien Historical Museum has received from Entergy.

Time Travelers offers historical summer fun for kids and families

For the second year in a row, Time Travelers kids programs will be offered in June, July and August 2010 at the North Berrien Historical Museum. Summer Time Travelers are free, interactive educational programs with two main goals: Learning and Fun!

Designed for ages 6-12 and families, Time Travelers is meant to inspire an interest in history and in historical museums. Each day brings to life a unique and exciting theme, where we will explore first-hand how the past differed from our lives today. All Time Travelers programs feature real museum artifacts, hands-on activities and demonstrations, a craft to take home, and a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Time Travelers programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register a child for one or more programs, please call the museum at (269) 468-3330 or e-mail nbhs2@sbcglobal.net.

Summer 2010 Schedule - Every other Wednesday, 10am-12pm
Wednesday, June 16 – GOLD RUSH
• Learn about early settlers
• Travel to the 1848 gold strike in Coloma, California
• Pan for gold!

Wednesday, June 30 – FLIGHT
• Learn about flying and airports in Southwest Michigan
• See cool flight experiments
• Design your own airplane

Wednesday, July 14 – RESORTS
• Experience the famous resorts and dance halls in North Berrien history
• Pretend to ride steamships and trains like people did 100 years ago
• Create Paw Paw Lake Art

Wednesday, July 28 – MACHINES
• Learn how machines big and small have made life easier for people
• Do laundry the old-fashioned way
• Make prints like a newspaper did

Wednesday, August 11 – FRUIT
• Learn what makes the “Fruit Belt” a special place to live
• Discover the early days of the Glad-Peach Festival
• Play a fun Fruit Market game!

Remember, space is limited and registration is required. Call the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330 or e-mail nbhs2@sbcglobal.net to sign up today!