Exhibits

The Dowagiac Area History Museum features three floors with over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space. Exhibits explore the rich history of Dowagiac, Cass County and Sister Lakes with amazing one-of-a-kind artifacts and fun interactive components to enrich and enliven your visit. Featured exhibit themes include:

  • Potawatomi Indians with a full-size wigwam (opening summer 2013)
  • Underground Railroad
  • Lakes, resorts and Camp Fitch
  • Early Dowagiac, Cassopolis and other Cass County towns
  • Small Town, Big World: Locals Who Made History
  • “Industrial Dowagiac” with an in-depth examination of the railroad, Round Oak and Furnace City, Dowagiac Manufacturing Company, Heddon and other industries that spurred Dowagiac’s growth for a century beginning around 1870.
  • Dowagiac: 1848 to present with exhibits on businesses, schools, Dogwood Fine Arts Festival and other institutions and trends that have made Dowagiac tick since its 1848 founding

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Small Town, Big World: Locals Who Made History

This exhibit explores local residents who made an impact on the world, including:

  • Edward Lowe, inventor of Kitty Litter
  • Captain Iven C. Kincheloe, early space pioneer
  • General Leigh Wade, pilot on the first Around the World Flight in 1924
  • 1972 Olympics Bronze Medalist Chris Taylor
  • African-American inventor Charles Smith
  • Journalist Webb Miller

 

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