 elcome to the Historical Society of Battle Creek (HSBC) where we are preserving the past as a present for the future. We welcome anyone who has an interest in the history of Battle Creek, Michigan, whether you live near or far!
ATTENTION: The Kimball House will continue to follow recommended health guidelines for our in-person tours and events.
The Historical Society of Battle Creek (HSBC) was founded January 16, 1916. An organizational meeting was held in the Post Building, creating our Society. For a more detailed explanation of all our moving and shifting locations, see our About Us link at left. In 1966, the Kimball family donated their family home to the community. The Junior League had the responsibility of transforming the residence into a Victorian house museum. In 1993, the offices and archives of HSBC moved to the Fieldstone Center, 165 N. Washington. The current hours of the archives are 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See our Archives link for more information.
The Historical Society of Battle Creek is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Donations, gifts and legacies are deductible.
Our mission is to collect, preserve and share Battle Creek History.
Battle Creek, the “best known little town in America” is known for the many contributions locally, nationally, and around the world. Feel free to explore our website and you are welcome to join our Society. We are a 501(c)3 organization so donations are not only welcome, but tax deductible. Your generosity will be enable HSBC to continue our mission and support our local events.
Our website is devoted to Battle Creek history, but there are many local attractions for everyone, not just the historian in your family. Michigan's oldest symphony played its first concert on February 16, 1899, and has performed for several European tours. The Brass Band of Battle Creek is one of the most acclaimed brass bands in the world. Full Blast Water Park has indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family.
For seasonal events, spend a day at the Binder Park Zoo, AZA Accreditated, with special events throughout the year. Leila Arboretum, and several area micro-brewing companies are also places worth visiting, with a dozen golf courses to chose from.
If you get hungry during your visit there are many modern restaurants to chose from, and a few historic buildings that have been converted to satisfy any tastes, such as Clara's on the river, the Michigan Central Railroad Depot built in 1888. Or try the Fire Hub, located in the historic Fire Station No. 4, built in 1904. And for lighter fare, visit Station 66, housed in a 1940's gas station, a fun outing for the whole family.
There are a dozen attractions within the surrounding area, including one of the largest historical districts (comprising about 325 acres including more than 750 historically significant buildings), the Gilmore Car Museum, and don't miss the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. For more entertainment, visit Turkeyville, FireKeepers Casino, and the Barn Theatre offers practical experience in theatrical production. Some former "Barnies" are Dana Delany, Jennifer Garner, Lance Barber, Lauren Graham, Patricia Wetting, Robert Newman, Tom Wopat, and many others.
For more information on these and other area attractions, click here. Or just contact us: We know Michigan like the back of our hand.
Sojourner Truth
Three iconic suffragists were immortalized with a bronze statue in New York City’s Central Park to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment ratification, which gave women the right to vote.
The 14-foot statue titled the Women's Rights Pioneers Monument was unveiled on August 26, 2020 to honor the 19th Amendment, which Congress passed on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, after mass protests and "civil disobedience" during the women's suffrage movement according to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Artist Meredith Bergmann sculpted feminist pioneers Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The monument will live on the park’s “Literary Walk” with depictions of famous writers.
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October 1
Spit and polish
Hear from those who have made it their mission to keep our beautiful museum clean and polished. Learn how the Victorian's maintained their homes ...
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October 15
Spiritualism
Jody Owens will delight us this year with talk of the Kimball spirits, spiritualism and maybe even a séance. Staffed by HSBC volunteers to ...
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November 5
Harmonia, Sojourner's Home
Guest speaker Kevin Ailes takes us on a journey of discovery and delights us with his discovery and research into Sojourner's home in the ...
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November 19
Sojourner Celebration
Guest speaker Barbara Allen will delight us with information and introduce us to her new book. The Truth choir will make an appearance to ...
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December 9
Kimball House Victorian Christmas Open House
FREE - FREE - FREE "Our Holiday Thank You" to the community from the Historical Society of Battle Creek. Look for some special holiday events ...
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