Van Buren County Museum

The Van Buren County Historical Society is committed to the preservation of antiquities and our county's historical information, to provide a repository for historical artifacts and documents that enrich our county's history;  To informing present and future generations of their existence and to displaying them for the education and enjoyment of all.

Beautifully situated atop a long hill near the center of Van Buren County, Michigan, this fine old forty-four-room brick and stone building was known for scores of years as the Van Buren County Poorhouse. In the late 1800s, the poor and disabled of Michigan did not have the benefit of current social support systems, and as a result, the care of such people was provided by their counties of residence. The main part of the current structure was built in 1884 to replace the wooden farmhouse previously used for the same purpose and which had been destroyed by fire with the loss of many lives. As the need increased, additions were made to the rear of the building in 1910 and again in the 1920s. The Van Buren County Poorhouse operated successfully (and nearly self-sufficiently) until 1952 when it closed as a residential facility. The building continued to be used, however, as the county welfare offices until 1958 when more modern office space became available. Abandoned for more than ten years to the destructive forces of nature and vandals, it became a windowless, debris-filled cavern slated for demolition until 1972 when the Van Buren County Historical Society (VBCHS) persuaded the County commissioners to lease the building for use as a museum. Thanks to the tireless efforts, vision & willpower of the early VBCHS volunteers (average age over 70) to rescue & restore it, the building is now listed on the State Historical Register and open to the public as the Van Buren County Museum.