In 1966, a group of citizens from the North Berrien area created the North Berrien Historical Society. The Society met twice a month at the Coloma Methodist Church and dedicated its efforts to collecting artifacts and stories of the area's heritage. Leading the effort to collect artifacts was Roger Carter, who was still living at the homestead which his ancestors had lived in since 1865. It was in his historic house and barn that the Society began storing the artifacts it was collecting to augment the collection that Roger had been gathering for years.

At the same time, another founding member, Bill Beverly Jr., led the effort to collect stories from old timers who still remembered the pioneering days. The stories were first memorized by members, then Bill began to write them down, clarifying the facts while people were still alive. Eventually all of this was recorded on a video with Bill telling the stories he had uncovered. Bill also contributed his collection of photos and postcards to the group's rapidly growing storehouse of artifacts.

The Society has grown from its modest beginnings, now owning and operating a five building, four-acre campus.

Its permanent collection has grown to:
3,700 Object Records,
7,500 Photographic Records,
1,750 Archival Records,
800 Library Records

The North Berrien Historical Society consists of 235 members and serves approximately 5,000 individuals annually through regular visitation, special events/programming, and school groups. 

While there have been many changes with North Berrien Historical Society over the past fifty years, the mission and purpose remains: 
"...to preserve and distribute information regarding the history of North Berrien County...to promote research, encourage learning and disseminate knowledge of the area's cultural and architectural legacy."

501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization

Andrews University

February 20, 2020 Dr. Goodwin gave 20 Society members a tour of Andrews University Biology Department’s collection, which included the Eau Claire Mammoth.

Wolf lake STATE Fish Hatchery

April 18, 2019 Shana Ramsey, the Fisheries Interpreter at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, gave Society members a tour of the DNR facility, sharing the tales of the Great Lakes fisheries and detailing the vital role played by hatcheries. Members saw several lake sturgeon, some over five feet in length!    

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

September 21, 2017 Society members toured the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s displays, viewed a planetary show, and received a private tour of the museum’s archive!