Museum hosts free “Shipwreck Explorers” activity day during Spring Break

The annual Spring Break Activity Day at the North Berrien Historical Museum invites families and kids of all ages to experience the past with fun crafts, games, and demonstrations during the school break.  On Wednesday, April 4, 2012, the museum will hold a “Shipwreck Explorers” themed activity day, from 1:00 to 3:00pm.  The event is free and offers activities throughout the museum to complement our newest permanent exhibit “Shipwrecks of the Berrien County Coast.”

Participants at “Shipwreck Explorers” will receive a sailor hat, race toy sailboats, and make their own message in a bottle, imagining the dangers seen by ships on Lake Michigan.  In the new exhibit, all can complete a treasure hunt and view interactive video clips of shipwreck divers.  A member of the Michigan Underwater Diving Club will demonstrate diving equipment and describe the underwater sights to be seen in local waters.  To remember the importance of historic lighthouses in ship safety, participants will craft a light-up model of the St. Joseph Lighthouse to take home along with a map of Lake Michigan lighthouses.

The North Berrien Historical Museum is located at 300 Coloma Avenue, on Red Arrow Highway across from Coloma High School.  For more information on this program, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or visit our website at www.NorthBerrienHistory.org.

Spring Break A Great Success

Rainy weather couldn't keep away our World War Two soldiers for a day. A record 185 people visited the museum on Wednesday afternoon for Spring Break. New "recruits" took part in free crafts and activities at the North Berrien Historical Museum.


Visitors started by making dog tags to wear throughout the day.


Youth Intern Taylor shows a visitor how to make a hat out of brown paper.


Army caps are a must for any new army recruit. Over 100 were made during the afternoon.


Youth intern Alexis shows a visitor how to make a parachute craft in the Nichols "Flight Training" Building.

Visitors take part in the coloring contest located in the Carter House parlor.

Volunteer Pauline Morris shows off her V for Victory craft in the Carter Gallery.

Be an Atomic Volunteer

The Life Atomic Exhibit and Programs: April 1 – May 15, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 1, 5:30-7:30pm – Help out for an hour at our Opening Reception for The Life Atomic and still enjoy the music, refreshments, and 1950s celebrity appearances. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

1950s Spring Break: Wednesday, April 7, 1-3pm – Work with local kids and families on one of a variety of fun, 50s-inspired activities throughout the museum. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

Community Sock Hop: Friday, April 16, 6-9pm – Help out for an hour or more at this free family event to be held in the Alwood Gymnasium at Coloma Middle School. Jobs include decorations, set-up and clean-up, refreshments, ticket sales, costume and hula contest judges, and manning the NBHS info table. ‘50s-style dress is encouraged and appreciated!

Gallery Greeters: Every Saturday, April 1 – May 15 – Greet visitors and track attendance for a portion of our Saturday Exhibit Hours, 10am-5pm.

Gallery Greeters: Every Friday, April 1 – May 15 – Greet visitors and track attendance for a portion of our Friday Exhibit Hours, 10am-5pm.

Exhibit Docent: Scheduling TBD, April 1 – May 15 – Help guide school and community groups through The Life Atomic exhibit. Training and study guide provided.

Please call the museum at 269-468-3330 or email nbhs2@sbcglobal.net to sign up to volunteer.