Southwest Michigan if often referred to as a “fruit belt.” Therefore, the North Berrien Historical Museum is dedicating a day to learning about the agricultural history of the area.

Visitors will step back in time to an era when the bushel basket was an essential component of the fruit market. There will be multiple opportunities for former workers of Benton Harbor Fruit Market, Monte Package Co., Saranac Machine Co., and St. Joe Iron Works to REUNITE WITH FAMILIAR FACES. Tours of the museum’s collection of basket machinery by Sam Monte of Monte Package Co. and Bob Hatch of St. Joe Iron Works will begin at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

CALLING ALL KIDS! We have a program designed just for you! Harvesting History: Picking & Packing the Fruit Belt will take place at 1:00 p..m. and 3:00 p.m. Kids ages 6–12 will learn through craft making and demonstrations about the significance of Southwest Michigan’s Fruit Belt and how it supplied markets in Chicago and beyond. All children participating in this free program will walk away with their own handmade craft and a better understanding of local agriculture.

No RSVP is required for this free event. Snack and refreshments will be available. For questions, contact peter@northberrienhistory.org or call the Museum at (269) 468-3330.