Berrien County Historical Association & Museum

Initial efforts aimed at preserving Michigan’s oldest courthouse, built in 1839. From the beginning, however, plans included establishing a county museum. The dual mission of the BCHA remains to preserve the historic structures on the 1839 Courthouse Square and to preserve and interpret the rich heritage of Berrien County for residents and visitors alike. Approximately one-half of the buildings and property on the 1839 Courthouse Square is owned by BCHA, with the other half owned by Berrien County. The historical association also manages historic legal records for the county, making them available to researchers and genealogists.