The mission of the Fort Miami Heritage Society is to promote historical preservation, education, and research that relates to Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and the surrounding region. The Fort Miami Heritage Society was founded in 1965; from 1997 to 2025, it operated as the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph. Today, having resumed its original title, the Fort Miami Heritage Society carries on the legacy from a new archival location in Benton Harbor.
The digital catalog for the Fort Miami Heritage Society is now publicly available for community browsing and research. Click below to search thousands of entries for photos, documents, and artifacts. Note that the entire catalog has not yet been digitized, so please contact us at info@fortmiamiheritage.org if you are looking for something specific that does not appear online.
The Heritage Society maintains an extensive archive containing thousands of documents and photos relating to the history of the Twin Cities. Particular strengths of the collection include local industry, such as the Truscott Boat Manufacturing Company, and events, such as the Venetian Festival. For research requests, whether personal or academic, please contact us at info@fortmiamiheritage.org.
The Heritage Society collection includes thousands of historical items from the area, including fishing equipment, washing machines, memorabilia, and even a 1897 Truscott rowboat. In support of a community of learning, our artifacts can be made available for display in local buildings or for other educational opportunities; please contact us at info@fortmiamiheritage.org with any inquiries.
We believe that understanding the past is essential to appreciating the world today and shaping the world for tomorrow.
In an age when artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for misinformation as well as for research, we stand for careful documentation of the past that will preserve an accurate record for the future.
We strive to connect people through history and to pass on the human stories that breathe life into the past.
Help us preserve our heritage
We love hearing from you! Whether you have questions about our exhibits, educational programs, or would like to get involved, feel free to reach out. Our team is dedicated to preserving our local history and welcoming you to the Fort Miami Heritage Society. Connect with us today!
