Like many organizations, the Berrien County Historical Association is working hard to fill their calendar with events that offer the engagement they’re accustomed to providing, all while looking after the safety of community members. And if you’ve had a chance to swing by their Facebook page or website, you may notice that their hard work is paying off.
The on-going and upcoming BCHA events are a combination of digital and in-person. We’ve highlighted a few below.
NINETEEN; SUFFRAGE IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN (AVAILABLE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20TH) – IN-PERSON
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment that celebrates the beginnings of women’s suffrage in the U.S. This exhibit is free to the public and will allow guests to explore the suffrage movement through collections and artifacts from the BCHA collections and through donations from their partners in history.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/131821591271199/
TNC TALKS: GROWING UP HOUSE OF DAVID (THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8TH, 6:30 P.M.) – DIGITAL
In October, the BCHA will explore the question: what was it like to live in the House of David? Debbie Boyersmith, Ron Taylor, and Brian Ziebart will dive into the everyday lives of the House of David members, how that life has changed over the years, and explore the people who were at one point part of the commune.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2275689259396813/
CIRCLE IN THE SQUARE YOGA (AVAILABLE THROUGH OCTOBER) – IN-PERSON
Circle in the Square Yoga is led by BCHA staffer and certified yoga instructor, Tara Velez. Classes are one hour and are held every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. The fee is $10.00 for the public and $5.00 for members. Class participants should be prepared to bring their own supplies and refreshments will be made available. Next month it will switch to 6 p.m.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2409478786012595/
TO THE POLLS: ELECTIONS & POLITICS IN BERRIEN COUNTY – IN-PERSON
2020 is an election year and around the country millions are going to the polls to take part in the greatest act of democracy one can participate in. Elections play a big role in our communities and this exhibit explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of local politics. This exhibit will contain photos and artifacts from the BHCA collections as well as from BHCA partners in history. Interactive elements will give guests a chance to explore the election process during their visit. The exhibit will run from October 1st through November 22nd inside the Sheriff’s Residence and is available during normal business hours. Admission is FREE!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/708962693258638/
Regarding the many up-coming and on-going events, Rhiannon Cizon, executive director of the BCHA, said: “While we recognize that our constituency is much older than the average internet user, like other museums, we had to move online in order to remain viable and in front of our audiences. It also allows us to build a new audience we may have not been accessing before, especially on social media. We’ve been sharing our posts and events in several groups dedicated to the area and drawing in more people who may not have considered following our page and thus attending our programs.”