North Berrien Historical Museum

North Berrien Historical Museum Located on Red Arrow Highway in Coloma, MI, the North Berrien Historical Museum exhibits local history and hosts programs throughout the year.

The North Berrien Historical Society preserves and distributes information regarding the history of northern Berrien County in Southwest Michigan, encompassing the communities of Hagar, Coloma, Watervliet, and Bainbridge. There is no cost for general admission and most events.

Only a few days left to vote in the 2026 North Berrien Photography Contest! Votes will be counted on Monday, August 31 a...
08/28/2026

Only a few days left to vote in the 2026 North Berrien Photography Contest! Votes will be counted on Monday, August 31 at 1:00 p.m. Please peruse these 18 photos and give a "like" to your favorites!

WHO AM I?The North Berrien Historical Museum is always looking to improve the information in our collection. Do you know...
08/26/2026

WHO AM I?

The North Berrien Historical Museum is always looking to improve the information in our collection. Do you know the identity of any of the people in this series of photos?

Please use the comments section for each image to identify anyone you recognize.

We appreciate your help!

Thank you to everyone who came to our Summer Time Traveler: Keepers of the Fire program on Tuesday!Madalene Big Bear, a ...
08/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to our Summer Time Traveler: Keepers of the Fire program on Tuesday!

Madalene Big Bear, a citizen and géknomaget (teacher/educator) of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, gave an educational presentation on Potawatomi storytelling, culture, and language. Following this, her daughter, Maddy Big Bear, guided participants through a tutorial on making traditional cornhusk dolls. The program attracted 21 visitors.

Stay tuned for information on future time traveler programs!

On Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m., we will welcome Pokagon Band Historic Research Specialist Cecil Wilson, who will present “Pokagon Band Trade Practices.” More info to come soon!

CAST YOUR VOTE!Submissions are in for the 2026 North Berrien Photography Contest! A total of 18 marvelous images were en...
08/24/2026

CAST YOUR VOTE!

Submissions are in for the 2026 North Berrien Photography Contest! A total of 18 marvelous images were entered. To vote for the People’s Choice, click through and give a “Like” to any photo you wish. Please remember that this contest seeks images that capture the unique character and culture of North Berrien County.

The votes (likes) will be tallied on Monday, August 31. The Winner and Honorable Mention of both the People’s Choice and the Judges’ Choice (determined by the Twin City Camera Club) will be announced on Facebook that same day at 4:00 p.m.

WHO AM I?The North Berrien Historical Museum is always looking to improve the information in our collection. Do you know...
08/21/2026

WHO AM I?

The North Berrien Historical Museum is always looking to improve the information in our collection. Do you know the identity of any of the people in this series of photos?

Please use the comments section for each image to identify anyone you recognize.

We appreciate your help

The 2026 North Berrien Photography contest seeks images that capture the unique character and culture of Bainbridge, Col...
08/20/2026

The 2026 North Berrien Photography contest seeks images that capture the unique character and culture of Bainbridge, Coloma, Hagar, and Watervliet. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 21.

For contest rules and entry form, visit: https://www.northberrienhistory.org/photography-contest

Pictured is photographer Walter D Regan Jr's entry "Glorious Autumn," which received Honorable Mention for the People's Choice in the 2025 contest.

We had another outstanding week of programs at the museum!On Tuesday evening, author and historian Chriss Lyon presented...
08/20/2026

We had another outstanding week of programs at the museum!

On Tuesday evening, author and historian Chriss Lyon presented “The Most Dangerous Man Alive in 1929.” This fascinating program detailed the life and crimes of Fred “Killer” Burke, including updates since the last time she presented this topic at the museum. Sixty-six attended.

On Thursday morning, Programs Director Katie St. Amand presented the final “I Like My History with Coffee & Cream” for the year. This discussion highlighted her favorite moments of the past two years at the museum.

We are still accepting signups for the Summer Time Traveler: Keepers of the Fire program on Tuesday, August 25. Call (269) 468-3330 to RSVP!

From the collection at the North Berrien Historical Museum: From left to right: Virgil Dorstewitz, Hazel (Warman) Shanah...
08/19/2026

From the collection at the North Berrien Historical Museum:

From left to right: Virgil Dorstewitz, Hazel (Warman) Shanahan, Wavia (Dorstewitz) Noack riding a horse at the Dorstewitz Farm in Coloma, Summer 1922.

The North Berrien Historical Museum is hosting the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi for our Summer Time Traveler program!Parti...
08/18/2026

The North Berrien Historical Museum is hosting the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi for our Summer Time Traveler program!

Participants will learn about the Pokagon Band’s storytelling, language, and culture from tribal specialists, then make traditional handcrafted corn husk dolls.

This program is designed for children ages 6–12, but all ages are welcome.

Date: Tuesday, August 25

Times: 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

RSVP: Required. Call (269) 468-3330 to reserve your child’s spot today!

Address

300 Coloma Avenue
Coloma, MI
49038

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

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