Upcoming Events

All events planned by the Van Buren County Historical Society are free to the public unless noted otherwise.

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.

County Law Enforcement History ---- June 15 at 2:00pm. at the museum located at 58417 Red Arrow Hwy,  Hartford MI.   Guest speaker Calhoun County Sheriff Deputy Tyler Sleep will discuss the history of law enforcement in Van Buren County including photos and history of most of the various sheriffs we have had as well as how law enforcement has changed during this time period.

Murder Mystery --- June 29, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy,  Hartford MI.   Members of the Historical Society will be stationed throughout the museum portraying characters from the 1916 murder of Lawton resident Maude Tabor. Come and interview those involved and help solve the mystery yourself.   This has in the past always been a fun time for everyone who comes.

Poor House History ---- July 6, 2025 at 2:00pm at the museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy,  Hartford MI.   Historian Patience DeRoo will discuss what a poor house was, how it operated and the significant roll it played in assisting the residents of our county.

Classic Car Show ---- July 12, 2025   from 10:00am to 3:00pm (set up at 9:00am) at the museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy,  Hartford MI.   Stop by to see a selection of vintage and collector cars and tour the museum.   There is no entry fee and anyone is welcome to bring their vintage car or tractor to show to the public.

Paranormal Museum Tours ---- July 12, 2025  at 7:00pm.   at the Museum located at 58471 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford MI.  Rumors say that the Poorhouse Museum is haunted.   Reserve yourself a spot and come to the Museum for an evening tour to find out for yourself if the rumors are true.   $25.00 per person.   RSVP 269-500-1450   Limited to 20 reservations.

Soup Supper ---- October 24, 2025  from 4:30 to 6:30  at the New Lawrence Township Hall  411 N. Paw Paw St,  Lawrence MI.  Featuring a variety of soups to choose from as well as a wide selection of deserts.    This soup supper has always been a very popular gathering so come early and bring your friends and your appetite.   FREE WILL DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED TO HELP COVER COSTS.

Cookbooks are available!   The Van Buren County Historical Society has published their cookbook filled with

     over 140 favorite recipes from our members and staff, including information about the recipes and a bit of

history of where the recipes came from.   They will be available for purchase at our soup supper in October, or you can pick one up at the Museum during its regular hours of 12pm - 5pm  Wed, Fri & Sat.

Their cost is $20 and are also available for order by contacting us through the "Contact Us" tab on this website.   Be sure to include your name, email address, phone # and that you would like a copy of the cook book, and then click submit.