About us

Dr. Prosper Bernard moved to Michigan from Minnesota in the 1920's. He received his medical doctorate and opened a practice in the Delton area in 1928. In the early 1930's he constructed a small hospital to assist the needs of the greater community. After serving in the military during WWII, Dr. Bernard returned home and trained as a radiologist. He was in high demand at the time since x-ray technology was still in its infancy. After Dr. Bernard retired from practicing medicine, his interest in the history of the area blossomed. He founded the Bernard Historical Society and Museum in 1962 with the help of many like-minded residents. Dr. Bernard generously donated his land and the old hospital to the society.

Today the museum is home to eight buildings and more than 40,000 artifacts. The museum's holdings date from prehistoric times to the 1930's and 40's and include items relating to Indian settlements, early Barry County settlers, and some of the doctor's medical equipment, now considered antiques. The museum sits on the north shore of upper Crooked Lake and is the perfect destination for history buffs, families, schools, or anyone interested in rediscovering our collective past.