Upcoming Events

All events planned by the Van Buren County Historical Society are free to the public  unless noted otherwise. Locations vary so be sure to make note of where the event is being held.

Freewill donations are always appreciated.

 Guest Speakers ---- Plans are being made to have guest speakers throughout this summer and fall.   Check back frequently for more information on the speakers and topics presented.

Paranormal Happenings at the Museum ---- April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Lawrence Twp Hall located at 411 N. Paw Paw St. Lawrence, Mi.   The museum has 4 floors and 44 rooms and over the years noises have been heard and things have moved.   Answers of how and why???   Local "ghost expert" Tad Moody will present a lecture of his personal experiences and demonstrate the equipment he uses to "catch" the ghosts.   After the talk, Tad is opening the museum and for $10 each the first 13 people will be able to go to the museum and experience an AK2 meter flashlight tour.

Yard and Craft Sale ---- April 25, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford, Mi.   Booth space is $20 for a 10x10 area.   No clothes, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia or pornography.   Call 269-500-1450 to reserve your space.

Rain date will be May 2nd.

Murder Mystery at the Museum ---- June 21, 2026 from 1:00-5:00pm at the Museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford, MI.   This has been a very popular event for the last several years so be sure to come to the Museum to interview the suspects and gather clues to try to solve who committed the crime.   A synopsis of the crime will be handed out to give you some clues as to who may be a suspect and museum volunteers will be dressed in period costumes portraying various individuals involved in the murder waiting to be interviewed by you.   Come put your Sherlock Holmes skills to the test and see if you can solve the mystery.  

WW1 Polar Bear Expedition----June 27, 2026 at 5:00pm This date and time has been changed from what was previously posted

at the Lawrence Twp hall located at 411 N. Paw Paw St, Lawerence, MI.   Local historian Nancy Brock will present a talk about the WW1 Polar Bear Military unit that was sent to Archangel in Northern Russia and the men from Van Buren County that were a part of the group.   The Polar Bear Expedition was a force of roughly 5,000 soldiers who invaded North Russia in late 1918.   Sent by President Woodrow Wilson to guard military supplies and assist an Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War, these troops endured brutal subarctic combat against the Red Army long after World War 1 officially ended.        

2nd Annual Classic Car, Motorcycle and Tractor Show ---- July 12, 2026 from 1:00-5:00pm  at the Museum at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy. Hartford MI.    Held rain or shine.   Dash plaques for the first 75 registered.   Museum will be open during the show.   There will be food, music, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.   Spectators are welcome.   NSRA Safety Team will be doing the inspections.   Canopies are welcome.   Admission for the public is free but there is a Vintage vehicle entry fee of $10 (cash only).  You can pre-register prior to the event.   Registration on the day of the event opens at Noon.   All proceeds provide support for the museum.

Any questions contact - Kris at 269-370-4419 or the Museum at 269-500-1450.

Murder Mystery at the Museum ---- August 2, 2026 from 1:00-5:00pm at the Museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford MI.   This has been a very popular event for the last several years so be sure to come to the Museum to interview the suspects and gather clues to try to solve who committed the crime.   A synopsis of the crime will be handed out to give you some clues as to who may be a suspect and museum volunteers will be dressed in period costumes portraying various individuals involved in the murder waiting to be interviewed by you.   Come put your Sherlock Holmes skills to the test and see if you can solve the mystery.

History Day at the Museum ---- August 16,2026   1:00-5:00pm at the Museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford MI.   Skills, games and demonstrations are planned for the day.   

Fall Yard Sale --- September 26, 2026.  9:00-3:00pm at the museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford, MI.   Booth space is $20 for a 10x10 area.   No clothes, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia or pornography.   Call 269-500-1450 to reserve your space.

Soup Supper ---- October 9  4:30-6:30pm  at the Lawrence Twp. Hall located at 411 North Paw Paw St, Lawrence MI.   This is one of the most popular events we sponsor.   Offering a variety of different soups and deserts its an event you won't want to miss. 

 FREE WILL DONATIONS ACCEPTED.

Other events being planned but not yet finalized are:

Paranormal Museum Tours

Be sure to check back often for event updates!