Long before the advent of modern social welfare, county governments in Michigan maintained poorhouses or poor farms.

Adam Oster, the Community Engagement Librarian for the Library of Michigan, will appear at the North Berrien Historical Society to present Michigan County Poor Farms.

During this program, visitors will explore the early history of these facilities and their attempts to care for Michigan’s poor, elderly and destitute. Guests will discover the lives and records of the inmates that resided at our state’s poor farms.

No RSVP is required for this free program.