Welcome!
The RHM Battle Creek (RHM) is a regional history museum displaying the rich and wonderful history of the region. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, which allows you to take a tax deduction for any contributions.
Governed by a Board of Directors, we have been in the process of developing this museum for over 10 years. At the present time we have open our “Museum Lite” space, the front room of the building, with small regional exhibits as well as a small gift shop and a wool room that help add support while we work on our larger space. Our main goal is to preserve the region’s rich and diverse history.
Our website will keep you informed of our progress so check in with us often. A great way to receive information is to join our mailing list so we can send you updates on events, speakers and programs. The RHM operates solely with volunteers. If you have a passion for history and would like to get involved, visit our get involved page or talk to one of our volunteers when you visit the Museum.
R.H.M. Capital Campaign
The Battle Creek Regional History Museum, now known as the R.H.M., is led by a board of directions that want to develop its vision of the fledgling venue as a first class, high tech experience for future generations.
And, that is why we are launching a $3 million fund raising campaign.
The plans are to develop exhibits and displays that tell the story of Battle Creek and the surrounding areas: to conduct "vibrant history and social educational programs for pre K-12 students in line with current curriculum
standards.
We also plan to develop a robust membership support program to market the city of Battle Creek by creating a tourist destination, fostering the "Believe in Battle Creek" message, and by having a positive economic impact on the downtown area.
Please help us reach our goal by either donating online or downloading our donation form.
Together
we can do it!
You can download the Capital Campaign form below and mail in your donation.
The Battle Creek Community Foundation is handling the fundraising. You can also donate online by clicking the button below.
2019 BCRHM Calendar
The Battle Creek Regional History Museum's 2019 Battle Creek History calendar, featuring photos and history of the BC Sanitarium is now available at the museum's gift shop, and will soon be available at Lakeview Card and Gifts on Columbia Avenue, downtown at Battle Creek Books and possibly the Federal Center's gift shop. The price is $10 each.
BCRHM Location:
307 W. Jackson Street
Battle Creek, MI. 49037
Hours:
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon. - 5 p.m.
Saturday September 21st Program
Have you ever wondered about the statue of the Native American standing in Irving Park, across the street from Bronson Battle Creek?
On Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 PM, local historian, and educator, Liz Neumeyer, will be sharing the history of that statue, known as ‘Old Sandy’, at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum.
The statue was acquired from the Mott Iron Works commercial casting company, located in Mount Kisko, New York, at the behest of local alderman and head of the Battle Creek Parks Department, Levant D. Hobbs. Hobbs wanted the statue to beautify McCamly Park…and symbolize Sands McCamly’s (who was one of the city’s founders, and whom the park is named) friendship with local Native Americans.
The name ‘Old Sandy’ was the nickname that statue received when it was initially installed in the park, because of that friendship Sands McCamly shared with the group of local Potawatomi.
In 1909 or 1910, the statue was placed in the park on a masonry pedestal, surrounded by a fountain. For many years, it had an electric lamp protruding from the top of his head.
In 1965, ‘Old Sandy’ was moved to Irving Park, to make room for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument that was being moved from Monument Square, in front of City Hall.
The effects of age and vandalism have required that the statue be painted and repaired several times.
Presently, ‘Old Sandy’ stands facing southwest towards its former location in McCamly Park and awaits visits by the park’s many flocks of geese and the interested citizen.
Neumeyer grew up on a farm and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Her higher education background was from Delta University, Central Michigan University, and Western Michigan University. She began working at Kellogg Community College in 1968 teaching history and psychology. She retired in 2007, but keeps active by writing popular history articles for the monthly ‘Scene’ magazine, and also contributes her considerable knowledge to helping out at the Historical Society of Battle Creek; she has completed a written history of KCC and is a local historic resource.
There is no admission charged for Neumeyer’s program, but donations are appreciated.
The museum is located at 307 West Jackson Street.
Our Mission
Preserving our past to give our history a future...
Current Museum Exhibit
Henry’s Ice Cream
The Battle Creek Regional History Museum is featuring a “Henry’s Ice Cream” display. Having open its doors in 1932 at 97 Calhoun Street, Henry’s Ice Cream was a historical icon of Battle Creek for 41 years. In the early years, Henry’s offered 18 different flavors of ice creams. Favorites flavors of the locals and visitors included Black Walnut, English Almond Toffee and the Honeymoon Special.
Please stop by the Battle Creek Regional History Museum at 307 West Jackson Street, Battle Creek and experience a time from the past.
Hours:
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon. - 5 p.m.
Join Our Mailing List
If you would like to keep informed of upcoming exhibits, events and RHM Battle Creek announcements please join our mailing list. To join please click the link below and fill out the short form. Once you hit send you will receive a conformation email that you will have to confirm before being added to the mailing list. This is done for security reasons. Our mailing list will not be shared with any third parties. Your privacy is important.
The RHM Battle Creek operates completely with volunteers. Help is always appreciated in many areas: volunteering your time and talent, donating funds to further our mission of preserving our rich history and even donating items related to our area. Click Get Involved Now to learn more.
Explore Museum
RHM will be posting exhibits that are at the museum. These exhibits will feature a wide range of the area's history and cultures. If you have any suggestions please contact us. To view the exhibits click the link below.
Event Schedule
The museum will also be hosting educational presentations on the third Saturday of every month at 3:00 p.m. Working With Wool classes will be held on the 2nd Saturday at 2:00 p.m. To view the events click the link below.
307 W. Jackson Street
Battle Creek, MI. 49037
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon. - 5 p.m.
Copyright © RMH Battle Creek. All Rights Reserved.
