Reoccurring Programs

In addition to one-off programs and our annual events, the BCHA hosts regular series designed to engage our audiences in different ways! Check out the programs below to see what we have ‘on the docket!’ To learn more about the details of each series session or to register (where needed), visit our calendar of events.

Thursday Night at the Courthouse Talks

2nd Thursday of the month

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Free admission

This monthly series explores different topics in Berrien County’s past and present, ranging from ethnic communities to social groups. Guest speakesr from around the region and the county share their knowledge on these topics to help shape our knowledge of Berrien County. These programs will be hosted on-line during COVID-19 restrictions and once we move back to in-person programming, they will be streamed online.

Sunday Afternoons at the Courthouse Talks

4th Sunday of the month

Time:2:30 p.m.

Free admission

This unique series is comprised of two lecture circuits. Series one focuses on social justice topics through the lens of the law. Series two focuses on development of religions in the U.S. and their unique experience. These programs will be hosted on-line during COVID-19 restrictions and once we move back to in-person programming, they will be streamed online.

January: Benton Harbor’s William Sheffield

Speaker: Michael Hoyh, Benton Harbor Historical Preservation Society
Date: January 14
Online Link

February: The Black Masons of Michigan

Speaker: Dirk Hughes, Michigan Masonic Museum
Date: February 11
Online Link

March: Dora Whitney, Lady Lawyer

Speaker: Carrie Sharlow, Michigan State Bar
Date: March 11
Online Link

April: Making Tracks in New Buffalo

Speaker: TBD, New Buffalo Railroad Museum
Date: April 8
Online Link

May: The Queens of Blossomtime

Speaker: Anna Abdelnour, President, Blossomtime Festival
Date: May 13
Online Link

June: Batters Up! Berrien County’s Baseball Past

Speaker: Gary Gillette
Date: June 10
Online Link

July: The History of Deer Forest

Speaker: Blair Strubel, Deer Forest, Inc.
Date: July 8
Online Link

August: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: August 12
Online Link

September: Latinx West Michigan

Speaker: Dr. Delia Fernandez, Michigan State University
Date: September 9
Online Link

October: TBA

Speaker:
Date: October 14
Online Link

November: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: November 11
Online Link

Religious Series

January: Seventh-day Adventist

Speaker: TBD
Date: January 24
Online Link

April: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: April 25
Online Link

July: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: July 25
Online Link

October: TBD

Speaker: TBA
Date: October 24
Online Link

Social Justice Series

February: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: February 28
Online Link

May: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: May 23
Online Link

August: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: August 22
Online Link

November: TBA

Speaker: TBD
Date: November 21 (moved due to Thanksgiving)
Online Link

Meriendas at the Courthouse Music Series

4th Friday of the month, May through September

Time: 6:30 p.m.

$5.00 public, $2.00 Members

This summer musical series lets everyone kick start the weekend with area performers. New musical styles will be hosted each month on the grounds or in the Courthouse in the case of bad weather. When outdoors, guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and even picnic dinners to enjoy the concert.

Constellation Conversation at Love Creek

1st Saturday of the Month, May through September

Time: 8:00 p.m.

$5.00 public, $2.00 Members

Join the BCHA and Love Creek Nature Center this summer as we explore the story of the stars from around the world. You may know the story of Pegasus, but do you know the story of Moose? Each month a guest speaker will tell the stories of the constellations from around the world before participants are lead on a night hike to the Love Creek prairie to see the constellations themselves.

May: TBA

Performers: TBD
Date: May 28

June: TBA

Performers: TBD
Date: June 25

July: TBA

Performers: TBD
Date: July 23

August: TBA

Performers: TBD
Date: August 27

September: TBA

Performers: TBD
Date: September 24

May: Beyond the Greeks: European Star Stories

Speaker: TBA
Date: May 1

June: The Giraffes: African Star Stories

Speaker: TBA
Date: June 5

July: Riding the Chariot: Asian Star Stories

Speaker: TBA
Date: July 3

August: Call Him Moose: Potawatomi Star Stories

Speaker: TBA
Date: August 7

September: The Three Stones of the Hearth: Mesoamerican Star Stories

Speaker: TBA
Date: September 4

BCHA Trivia Challenges

3rd Saturday of the month, held quarterly

Time: 6:30 p.m.

$5.00 per person, $40 per team

Join the BCHA for a fun filled trivia evening that puts your knowledge to the test. Whether you join us on your own or with a team, bring your A game! Each trivia night will focus on a specific topic, so brush on your history skills for an evening that’s even better than Trivial Pursuit!

In the event COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, trivia nights will be held via zoom. The link will only be sent to registered participants. Once in-person programming is allowed, these will be hosted inside the Courthouse with possible online participation.

Maker Magic Workshops

3rd Saturday of the month, held quarterly

Time: 2:30 p.m.

$10.00 public, $5.00 Members

The BCHA is bringing artisan skills back to the History Center at Courthouse Square with our Maker Magic series. Each quarter we’ll explore a new skill ranging from the kitchen to the forge, letting participants stretch themselves in unique ways.

In the event COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, workshops (where possible) will be held via zoom. Workshops unable to be transferred online will be replaced with an alternative option.

March: Crown and Sash: US Pageant History