Bernard Historical Society Museum

“While the society does not issue financial statements, it has made an election, as permitted by fasb asc 958, to not report, in its revenue statement and balance sheet, works of art, historical treasures, or similar asset held for public exhibition, education or research in furtherance of public service.”

“The society's hisorical treasures consist of the following structures (and related artifacts)to educate the community on the history of barry county: the main museum that was the bernard hospital during the 1940's & became a clinic in 1950's. In 1962 the building was converted into the present museum, displaying medical rooms of the 1800's or early 1900's. A 2-story wing was added in 1970, which contains articles of clothing, a toy colleciton, telephone switchboards & many more items. The seamstress cottage, which was built in 1870's & given to the society in 1987, is furnished with articfacts relating to the life of a dressmaker of the 1880's, including rope beds, quilting frames, feed bag material, patterns,& sewing machines. The brown school was constructed in 1873 & used as a one room schoolhouse. It was moved to the museum grounds in 1963, where it houses many artifacts dealing with school life. The little house was built in the 1930's to house young doctors that assisted dr. Bernard from 1939 to 1942. It displays a sewing room, an early communicaitons area, books, shoes, & a country kitchen. The country store was built in 1968, and is a replica of an 1880's store that is furnished with groceries, household goods,& other items typical of the time. The bowens mills 1910 post office is also part of this building. The blacksmith shop was built in 1969 as a replica of those used in the late 1880's and early 1900's. It contains a forge, smithy tools, horsehoes, & other related artifacts. The implements building (the barn) was built in 1991, and contains farming equiment from early michigan, 2 wwi jeeps, a railroad mail cart, an old gas pump, scales, milk separators, & hay forks, and, a license plate collection.”

“The earnings are to be used for the maintenance of the buildings, upkeep of the artifacts & general operation of the museum. The permanent endowment is to be maintained in perpetuity. The quasi-endowment represents temporary set-aside amounts that may be redircted at the board's discrection.”