UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This site is currently under construction.

If you have any questions please call or email us at

Call: (269) 273-6003

Email: SJCHS34@gmail.com

Some features may be incomplete, but we’re still open, feel free to explore!

Bringing history forward since 1873...

History doesn’t just live in the past, it shapes how we experience the present.

At our historical society, we bring history forward by preserving the stories, places, and people that built our community, while helping you discover what still surrounds you today.

Whether you’re looking back or exploring what’s here now, we’re here to guide you in seeing the connections.

Learn More About Us

Upcoming Events

Full Event Calendar:

COMING SOON

TALES & TRAILS
5/22/2026

Explore the community one stop at a time. This self-guided walking tour shares the history behind local landmarks, giving you a deeper connection to the places you see every day.

Coming Soon

Stop in, Support, & Join The Society

Stop in and experience history up close. Explore our collections, learn through rotating exhibits, and attend special events throughout the year. We also welcome school groups and offer private tours, giving you a more guided way to connect with the stories, places, and people that shaped our community.

VISIT

VOLUNTEER

Be part of bringing history forward. Our volunteers play a hands-on role in preserving the past, whether it’s working with historic photographs and records or helping build and maintain exhibits that share our community’s story. We also offer opportunities for community service hours, making it a meaningful way to give back while learning about the area around you.

Current Opportunities

MEMBERSHIPS

Support the stories that shape our community and be part of preserving them. As a member, you play a direct role in bringing history forward, helping us care for local collections, share meaningful stories, and keep history accessible for everyone. It’s more than just support, it’s a way to stay connected, get involved, and take pride in the place you call home.

Become a Member

Deep Dive Into Our Collections

Discover, explore, and research through our archives, special collections, and online resources.

There’s more here than you think!

Archives & Research

Explore a deep collection of original records, photographs, and documents covering St. Joseph County and surrounding areas. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or diving into local history, you’ll find access to obituaries, wills, land records, directories, and more, with knowledgeable archivists available to help guide your research.

Special Collections

Discover some of our most unique holdings, including materials from over 100 historic one-room schools, with class photos, student records, and memorabilia spanning the 1850s through the 1960s. Our collections also include local and military history, featuring records of residents who served in the Civil War and World War II, along with census data, deeds, court records, and township histories.

Online Resources

Continue your research from anywhere. We’ve gathered a list of trusted online tools and databases to help you explore local history, trace family connections, and dive deeper into the stories of St. Joseph County. Whether you’re just getting started or building on existing research, these resources make it easy to keep discovering.

Start Exploring