Bernard Historical Museum — Attraction in Prairieville Township

With 8 buildings to explore and over 40,000 artifacts from across Barry County, this historical village and museum is far grander than I originally thought, or planned for. It was purposed by Dr. Prosper Bernard, a World War II vet and pioneer radiologist. When Dr. Bernard retired from his career in medicine, he became very interested in the history of the surrounding area, and even donated his land, home, and former hospital to the historical society. What was birthed from this is the phenomenal Bernard Historical Museum!

Here, you can see the 1873 Brown one-room schoolhouse from the Pine Lake area, a seamstress cottage from a farm on Lockshore Road, a General Store, a blacksmith shop, and of course the Bernard Hospital, even impressive views of Crooked Lake. My favorite buildings to tour through was most definitely the Brown School (I even got to ring the bell), and the lower level to the hospital - where they have the original tunnel you can walk through! The tunnel was created so Mrs. Bernard could deliver hot meals to the patients.

Thanks to our tour guide, who was only here as a volunteer, we received much information on a lot of the artifacts. From an Native American dugout canoe found on the bottom of Wall Lake to the former clock face of the Hastings Courthouse, he was able to guide us with efficiency, dedication, and fun stories of the treasures this museum holds.

Me and the fam loved this place! This museum is free, but it is only run by donations from the public and volunteers to help where needed. Consider getting involved in any way you can, so future generations can enjoy this one of a...

Don’t just go to the big museums. This was a great little slice of life from a small town in Michigan circa 1930’s to 50’s. It won’t cost you more than you are willing to part with I.e. donation and it pays you back not only with a knowing but a feeling about history where you otherwise would have only seen a few building if you saw anything there at all, so go...

Me and family went here it's small but has alot of things to see here it's a great tour of it people are sweet and nice willing to tell you and give you a tour it's a great place to come and get a history tour of it's worth the drive to come here so come one come all if you love history like me and are a history nut...