The Building

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 1800’s, 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 need increased, additions
were made to the rear of the building in 1910 and again in the 1920’s. 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 them the
building for use as a museum. Thanks to the tireless efforts, vision & will-power 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.

Throughout the museum, we have tried to reflect as accurately as possible the times and

lifestyles of those who lived in Van Buren County during the time period of 1829 to 1929.

We wish to share this history with you and your family.

So for a great learning experience, come on over...and bring the kids too!!