On May 15, 2004, the Print Shop building was dedicated to the North Berrien Historical Museum after a generous donation by the Coloma City Commission from the Leonard Fund. The purpose of the building was to house the Linotype, Chandler & Price press, and other related equipment donated by the Bayer Family, current owners of the Tri-City Record.

In fall 2018, a plan was devised to update the Print Shop exhibit and introduce a hands-on element to the display. With additional funds needed to accomplish this goal, the Print Shop exhibit fundraising campaign began. In time the news of the campaign had spread throughout the community and Museum patrons. In 2020, Charles and Suzanne Wells donated their complete collection of letterpress equipment, which has evolved the exhibit into a working print shop and has made this the first operational display on the North Berrien Historical Museum’s campus. 

On Tuesday, June 15 at 6:00 pm, society members and donors are invited to the Letterpress Collection opening and ribbon cutting. Guests will hear the stories from Charles Wells and Karl Bayer and the journey that many of the newly acquired machines took to find their home on the Museum’s campus. RSVP is required. All who are interested in attending this event and viewing the exhibit for the first time should call the Museum at (269) 468-3330 to reserve their seat as soon as possible.

Not a member yet? Become one today! www.northberrienhistory.org/shop/student-membership

For non-society members and donors, there will be a collection opening available to the public on Thursday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP is also required for this event.