The Annual Members-Only Meeting is reserved for North Berrien Historical Society Members. Doors are at 5:30 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner from CK Catering served at 6:00 p.m. The annual meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the program to follow at 7:00 p.m.

The evening program is “Michigan’s Lonely Hearts Killers: A History of ‘Cupid Club’ Crimes and Criminals.” Tobin T. Buhk, author and aficionado of history with a dark twist, will detail the 1940s Michigan crimes of Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez as well as other “Cupid Club” killers who, throughout the years, preyed on Michigan lonely hearts through the personal advertisements.

Program is reserved for Society members and will follow the Annual Meeting & Dinner. The cost to attend is $20 per person. To RSVP or for membership details, call (269) 468-3330.

The Niles History Center is the historic Chapin Mansion and the Fort St. Joseph Museum. The Chapin Mansion was constructed in 1882 and features colorful stained glass windows, beveled mirrors, impressive brass chandeliers, beautiful hand-carved wood work and nine fireplaces.

Society Members will take a tour of this beloved Niles landmark. Lunch at Wegners Lakeside Bar and Grill with follow.

See schedule below. Attendees may arrive at the Museum before 9:15 a.m. to carpool or meet at the Niles History Center to begin the tour at 10:00 a.m.

North Berrien Historical Museum Departure………. 9:15 a.m.

Private Tour of the Niles History Center………. 10:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Lunch at Wegners Lakeside Bar and Grill………. 12:00 p.m.

Return to the North Berrien Historical Museum………. ~1:30 p.m.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 8 by calling (269) 468-3330. For membership details, click here.

The Watervliet Fruit Exchange has been in the local community since 1940 and continues to grow and evolve, serving area farmers and gardeners. On Tuesday, February 28, Society Members are invited to take a behind-the scenes tour of the Watervliet Fruit Exchange. Lunch at Local 3 Grill & Tap will follow.

Call (269) 468-3330 by Friday, February 24 to RSVP.

See schedule below. Attendees may arrive at the Museum before 10:00 a.m. to carpool or meet at the Fruit Exchange to begin the tour by 10:15 a.m.

North Berrien Historical Museum Departure…….. 10:00 a.m.

Private Tour of Watervliet Fruit Exchange….…….. 10:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Lunch at Local 3 Grill & Tap…………………..….12:00 p.m.

Return to the North Berrien Historical Museum…~1:00 p.m.

The Annual Members-Only Meeting is reserved for North Berrien Historical Society Members. Doors are at 5:00 p.m. There will be a made-to-order dinner prepared by La Chula Mobile starting at 5:30 p.m. The annual meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the program following at 7:00 p.m.

The evening program will be Crazy, Weird and Bizarre Michigan Highway Signs presented by Dr. John Geisler, who will be sharing a collection of road and highway signs that will entertain, inform and delight. He has driven over 5,000 miles conducting research on the history of highways in Michigan. While doing so, he has noted and recorded highway signs that seem out of place, out of joint, or out of this world. For example, a sign on a county road near Albion, MI that reads: "WATCH FOR WATER UNDER BRIDGE." He has always believed that's where it was supposed to be! In addition, he will be presenting materials on signage that will be helpful and interesting to all those who drive on highways and roads.

For membership details and to RSVP, contact the Museum at (269) 468-3330.

NBHM Society Members are invited for a trip to the Morton House Museum in Benton Harbor on Thursday, October 13.

The oldest building in Benton Harbor, the Morton House was built in 1849 by pioneer Eleazar Morton and his son Henry Morton, one of the founders of the city of Benton Harbor.  The family continued to be well known in the city and involved with its growth and prosperity, living in the house until 1936. The house was then deeded to the Federation of Women’s Clubs, which used it as a clubhouse and started a house museum in the early 1960s. The Morton House Museum board now runs the museum as “The Home of Benton Harbor History.”

With a 9:30 a.m. departure from the North Berrien Historical Museum, Society Members will be given a tour of the Morton House from 10:00 a.m.–noon. Lunch will follow at the Mason Jar Café.

Society Members have the option of carpooling. Please RSVP by Friday, October 7 by calling (269) 468-3330. For membership details, visit: http://www.northberrienhistory.org/society-membership/annual-society-membership

On Tuesday, August 23 at 10:00 AM, a group of Society members will gather at the Sarett Nature Center for a behind-the-scenes look. The tour will include information about seasonal care for the sanctuary, wildlife, and more! Following this informal tour, lunch will be provided. After fueling up, join the Museum’s staff for an optional hike.

A $12 trip fee will cover admission to Sarett Nature Center and lunch. Society members interested in attending this trip should reserve a spot by Friday, August 19. For more information or to RSVP, call (269) 468-3330.

You’re not a Society Member yet? www.northberrienhistory.org/society-membership