Featured Collections
The museum’s collection contains a wide variety of significant items related to the people and industries of Kalamazoo and the Southwest Michigan region, spanning over 200 years of local history.
The Early Museum
In 1927, the former home of Horace B. Peck (son of Horace M. Peck, who made the initial donation of corals and fossils to establish Kalamazoo’s first museum) was purchased by the School Board and became the first standalone site of a public museum in Kalamazoo. The artifacts that Albert M. Todd and Donald O. Boudeman donated to the museum in the 1920s and 1930s, in addition to the collection from Horace M. Peck, were the foundations of the museum’s early collection.
Local Research & Information
Collections staff are available to answer local history inquires and assist researchers with special projects. To request information or submit an inquiry, please use the museum’s contact form or contact Collections Manager Regina Gorham at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 269.373.7958. Please note that it may take up to 10 days for our staff to respond to research inquiries. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walk-in inquiries without prior appointments.
Other local institutions may also be of assistance:
Object Care & Resources
The long-term preservation of historic artifacts requires attention to proper storage and conservation techniques, as well as careful handling. For the family heirlooms and treasures you have at home, the links below can help you take care of your family’s history, as well as provide you with referral information for conservation and appraisal organizations.
230 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
800.772.3370 | 269.373.7990
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
