News & Updates

Who Was Here Before Us? By Maggie Snyder for Vicksburg Historical Society The restless feet of generations of the Miami, Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa Indians trod along the valleys of the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Rivers long before the first white settlers arrived. However, all the land they occupied in southwestern Michigan became legally owned by the Federal government when the Treaty of Chicago was signed in 1821. The Native American were moved to five reservations, one of which, the Nottawaseppi, included the land where Vicksburg is now located. The Nottawaseppi reservation embraced one hundred and fifteen sections of government survey, [...]

  On Wednesday, December 9th, the Vicksburg Historical Society voted in new officers to serve the next two years. Charlie Church will be replacing Don Wiertella as board president. Don, who has been president for the last 2 years will continue to serve on the board. Ryan Wagner will be Vice President filling a role that has been previously vacant since the passing of Sue Moore. The Board Secretary position will continue to be served by Dana Wagner and Ken Blough will remain Treasurer.

Would you like to support the Vicksburg Historical Society AND receive a custom, limited-edition shirt?  For the next 13 days we are hosting an online fundraiser!  All proceeds from this fundraiser will contribute directly to the daily operations to support the grounds, artifacts, and services provided at the Vicksburg Historic Village.  We greatly appreciate the enthusiasm and support which has raised over $900 so far!  After the sale has ended your shirt(s) will be shipped directly to your home - no extra hassle or pickup required.   Be sure to share with your friends, family, and neighbors to spread the word! Visit [...]

All of the pumpkins will be on display in windows in downtown Vicksburg. Winners can pick up their pumpkins and prizes on Saturday, October 10th at the Depot Museum from 11 to 3.

Kids 5-12 are invited to take participate in this wonderful contest typically held at the Harvest Fest. This year there are 12 prizes up for grabs from Apple Knockers and the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center. Visit vickburghistory.org/pumpkins/ for rules and entry.    

Dr. Ron Smith gives a great presentation on the history of Aquatic Vegetation Control in Sunset Lake. Join us on demand for Session II of the 2020 Speakers Series. You can find Ron's and our other speaker presentations here!

July 1, 2020 is the beginning of your Historical Societies three-year agreement with the Village of Vicksburg.  This agreement meets the requirements of both parties by detailing the duties and responsibilities of the village and your society.  Your Historical Society Board is using this agreement as a “springboard” to refine existing programs and events and to meet the historical requirements of the community.  We will become a human-centered museum instead of an object-centered museum.  The Vicksburg Historical Society will, as in the past, collect, store, exhibit and make available for historical studies the family articles in our collections.  Your Historical Society [...]

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On July 26th we recorded the first of this year's Speaker Series. The Historical Society is delighted to begin publishing each month's speaker on our website, safely expanding the audience for each talk. Our first speaker is no stranger to the Vicksburg Historical Society. Warren Lawrence gave a firsthand account of his experience as a captain with the National Guard during the 1967 Detroit riot. Check out Warren's talk and look for future speakers here

Vicksburg Historical Society 2020 Board Members (from left): Joe Castleberry, Ryan Wagner, Ken Blough, Tamra Stafford, Charlie Church, Sue Moore, Don Wiertella, Dana Wagner Joe Castleberry (far left)  and his family recently bought a house in the village. He grew up in Kalamazoo, but had been visiting Vicksburg since he was a kid to see his grandparents. Joe has always had an interest in the history of Vicksburg and  joined the board because he wanted to become more involved in the community. Tamra Stafford (center)  has lived here her whole life and wants to contribute to her community.  She has backgrounds in [...]