Basket Weaving Workshop is Saturday, September 18

The North Berrien Historical Museum will hold a Basket Weaving Workshop on Saturday, September 18 from 2:00 to 3:00pm. The history of southwest Michigan is full of baskets both handmade and machine-made, as they were important tools in the homes and industries of the past. This program will begin with a brief introduction to local basketry over 200 years, featuring pieces from the museum’s collection. Then, all materials and step-by-step instruction will be provided to create your own hand-made paper basket. There will be a $3 charge for each basket made. This is a great occasion for parents or grandparents with kids and anyone who enjoys crafting to visit the museum and learn a historic and fun new skill. Please RSVP to ensure your space. To RSVP or for more information, contact the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330.

Photo caption: This Potawatomi black ash basket is exhibited at the North Berrien Historical Museum, and is one of the baskets to be discussed on September 18.

Annual Dinner to Highlight Trains of Berrien County

The 2010 North Berrien Historical Society Annual Dinner will be held at the North Berrien Historical Museum on Tuesday, September 21 at 6pm. Tickets for the annual dinner may be purchased for $15 from the museum office, 269-468-3330. Following dinner, at 7pm, Bob Myers, Curator of The History Center at Courthouse Square, will give a presentation on the history of trains in Berrien County. Myers recently published a new book, Locomotives Along the Lakeshore: Railroads of Berrien County, which will be for sale following the talk for $23.95.

Photo Caption: Dr. Baker's train arriving at Paw Paw Lake, ca. 1900, NBHS 9998.03.75

Liberty Hyde Bailey Blog: The Peach is Sunshine

Liberty Hyde Bailey Blog: The Peach is Sunshine: "This peach is sunshine. It is night, the twilight, and the dawn. It is dew and rain. It is noon, and wind, and weather. It is heat and cold...."

Talk on Old Rugged Cross Church - August 17

Barb Cook of the Old Rugged Cross Foundation will give a talk on “Preserving the Old Rugged Cross Church” at the North Berrien Historical Museum on Tuesday, August 17 at 7pm.


The Old Rugged Cross Church, located in Pokagon, Michigan was the site of the debut of the Old Rugged Cross hymn composed by Rev. George Bennard in 1913. A $1.9 million restoration effort began in 1998 and today the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a museum and multi-denominational worship space.

This event is free and open to the public.
Photos courtesy of www.the-oldruggedcross.org

Glad-Peach Fun!

The North Berrien Historical Society was well represented at the 2010 Coloma Glad-Peach Festival. From August 5-8 the Historical Society Cone Barn served Sherman's ice cream, hot dogs, cotton candy, and peach sundaes. New this year were fresh peaches and gladiolas.


Our 1924 Dodge Truck represented the Society in the parade.


Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the Cone Barn and the Glad-Peach Festival.

Millage Passes! Thank you!

The North Berrien Historical Society operating millage renwal passed in all six North Berrien municipalities - Hagar Township, Coloma Township, City of Coloma, Watervliet Township, Watervliet City, and Bainbridge Township. A special thank you to all of the museum supporters across the region. Friends of North Berrien History did a wonderful job producing yard signs and getting out the word on the importance of local history and the museum's activities.

Since the operating millage first passed in 2006 two full-time and one part-time staff members have been hired and museum attendance has risen to nearly 5,000 people annually. The next millage renewal will be in 2014.