North Berrien Historical Society receives State History Award

On September 23, 2011 the North Berrien Historical Society received a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan in the category of Special Event/Program for Women in Baseball. Executive Director Alexander Gates was present at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City to receive the award during the State Awards Banquet.

The award went to the North Berrien Historical Society for its exceptional program, “Women in Baseball.” The project celebrated Maud Nelson, a renowned baseball player in the early 1900s. Nelson was the first female baseball player in the United States to be commemorated by her community, Watervliet. As a player, coach, and team owner, Maud remained active into the 1930s. Building on this background, the society planned a series of summer events, including a tournament for girls’ teams, a civic festival, and a museum exhibit. The tournament drew teams from out-of-state, and fans came from as far away as the eastern United States.

Women in Baseball will remain on view at the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma, Michigan through Novemeber 11, 2011. For more information please visit http://www.northberrienhistory.org/.

For more information on the State History Awards and to view other recipients visit the Historical Society of Michigan's website.