St. Joseph Co. Historical Society of MI History Resources Three Rivers, MI

Hours: Fridays 10am-4pm (or by appointment)

Location: 34 N. Main St. Three Rivers MI, 49093

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

St. Joseph County Historical Society & Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Proudly Present:

TALES & TRAILS

June 20, 9am-5pm

Explore downtown, experience the tour, and enter our raffle!

Perfect for families, a weekend outing, or a unique date.

Located within the social district, so you can sip, stroll, and step back in time!

(Brochures will be available in the East Alley)

P.S. Don't worry if you can't join the fun on the 20th, this tour will be active all year!

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, online resources, and some of our favorite historical places.

There is always more to uncover in St. Joseph County!

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 & Historic Places

Continue your research from anywhere, or take it a step further by visiting historic locations in person. We’ve gathered trusted online tools, databases, and local sites to help you explore the history of St. Joseph County and the surrounding area. Whether you are tracing family connections, researching land records, or discovering nearby museums and landmarks, these resources help you keep uncovering new stories.

Start Exploring