LMC professor explains “Why the War of 1812 Matters” on March 20

The North Berrien Historical Museum invites the public to join us on March 20 for our monthly third-Tuesday program, when the featured speaker will be Dr. Chris Paine, Professor of History at Lake Michigan College.  Dr. Paine will present a program called “A Most Decisive Draw: Why the War of 1812 Matters.”  He will provide a general history of the War of 1812, emphasizing its often overlooked significance in the present-day.  Michigan Territory was the site of land and naval battles involving the U.S., Great Britain, and Native Americans, with lasting consequences for our state and nation.  The State of Michigan has even recognized the importance of the conflict with a special Commission to help commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the war.

“A Most Decisive Draw: Why the War of 1812 Matters” with Dr. Chris Paine will be held on Tuesday, March 20 at 7pm at the North Berrien Historical Museum.  The program is free and refreshments will follow.  The museum is located at 300 Coloma Avenue, on Red Arrow Highway across from Coloma High School.  For more information, contact the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330 or visit our website at www.NorthBerrienHistory.org.

2012 Youth Internship applications available now

Students currently in grades 7-12 are invited to apply for a Youth Internship at the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma, Michigan. Youth Interns are trained to volunteer for the museum and will contribute to real projects that support our mission to preserve and promote local history. To obtain a schedule and Application for the 2012 Youth Internship program, please stop by the museum or download from Scribd.com.The museum will hold a brief informational meeting on Monday, December 19, 2011, at 6pm for all interested students and family. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the museum no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

The Youth Internship is a commitment to volunteer time every other week from late January – May 2012, in which students will get to know the museum and practice new skills. Participants will work with the museum’s professional staff to understand more about Coloma-Watervliet area history, preservation of artifacts, and how we serve the public. Youth Interns will also learn more about career possibilities in museums, history and culture.

For more information about this program contact Tracy Gierada, Director of Education for the North Berrien Historical Museum, at (269) 468-3330 or nbhs2@sbcglobal.net.

Summer Time Travelers are free interactive programs for kids

The North Berrien Historical Museum again looks forward to Summer Time Travelers, a series of free interactive programs especially designed for ages 6-12. With our two main goals of learning and fun, every session features hands-on activities and crafts focused on a fascinating theme, as well as real historic artifacts and exhibits. Summer Time Travelers aims to inspire a lifelong interest in history and historical museums. These programs are free but to ensure space, advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the museum at (269) 468-3330 or download a registration form and return.

Highlights of Time Travelers this summer include a visit by award-winning Michigan historian and Storyteller Larry Massie on June 29. Time Travelers will be held from 10am – Noon (registration required), followed at 1pm with a free Storytelling show open to all ages called “Adventures in Michigan’s Past” (no registration). Other programs will make use of the museum’s traveling trunks and exhibits throughout our grounds, including the Women in Baseball exhibit this summer. The dates and themes for Summer Time Travelers 2011 include: Lumberjacks (June 29), Old Time Sports (July 13), Pioneers (July 27), Paw Paw Lake Fun (August 10) and Native Americans (August 24).

Volunteers make it possible for us to offer these free programs to the community. If you would like to help with Summer Time Travelers in 2011, please call the museum to sign up.

New "Explore North Berrien" Map

Visitors to the museum are now able to "explore North Berrien" using an interactive historical map of the area. This new permanent exhibit is a color graphic panel that measures 69" x 77" and is located in the main museum gallery. The map provides an overview of roads, waterways, and North Berrien communities. Visitors will find eight images from the museum's collection that lift to reveal a detailed explanation of the photograph.



"Explore North Berrien" will be particularly beneficial to school groups and children who visit the museum. The map will help young people grasp the concept of local geography through the use of recognizable landmarks. Classes will begin their tours in front of the map for a visual overview of our community history. Out-of-town visitors are another group that will benefit from this new exhibit. Those new to North Berrien will be able to see the area they are visiting including Paw Paw Lake, Lake Michigan, and the orchards of Bainbridge Township.

Under the direction of museum staff, graphic design fro the exhibit was completed by Robin Maxon of Maxon Graphix in St. Joseph. The display was printed and installed by Anchor Signs in Benton Harbor. Please stop in during open hours to explore our latest addition to the museum gallery.

Free Hagar Township History program is January 18

The public is invited to attend “History of Hagar Township,” a narrated slide show at the North Berrien Historical Museum on Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00pm. Discover surprising and fascinating stories from the past in Hagar Township at this encore of our “Hagar History Day” slide show from July 2010. The presentation will feature images and artifacts from the museum’s collection with discussion by Tracy Gierada, Director of Education at the North Berrien Historical Museum.

The slide show will cover some of the most notable tales from the past in Hagar Township, beginning with European explorers, early American settlers, and the lumber industry. The rise of resorts will also be covered, including the large estate known as “Jacobia” with its wooden water tower on the lakeshore and the community at Lake Michigan Beach. Learn the origins of place names and hear about many strange but true stories from the area, such as the eccentric pioneers Kate and Ebenezer Standish and a deadly visit by Chicago gangsters in 1928.

This event is free of charge. For more information please contact the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330.

New Museum Brochure

The North Berrien Historical Museum has published a new museum brochure. Copies are being delivered to Michigan Rest Areas, the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, local businesses, and other area attractions. The brochure was designed by Robin Maxon at Maxon Graphixs in St. Joseph.