Past Programs

Maris Soule, an award-winning author of 30 traditionally published books, will talk about what happened when her publisher stopped publishing mysteries before Something to Crow About, the last book in her “Crow” series, was published. She’ll talk about how one goes about self-publishing a book. The traps that are out there. The steps and costs that are necessary to publish a book. And, the benefits and drawbacks of self-publishing. She’ll also be announcing a special promotion during the month of June. The ebook of The Crows, the first book in the series, will be offered at a reduced price; there will be a contest, The Crow and Me, held with the winner receiving a Amazon gift card; and for 3 days, the ebook of Something to Crow About, Maris Soule’s 31st published book will be free.

Presented by Peter Cook

The Jacobia Estate in Hagar Township was the brainchild of inventor and entrepreneur Henry Jacobs, who foresaw Southwest Michigan’s potential to become a tourist mecca. The 180-acre retreat was located along the shore of Lake Michigan. The best remembered structure associated with the property was Jacobs’ Tower, a 160-foot water tower with an observation deck. Other structures included a chapel, dance pavilion, cottages, farmhouse, barns, and a 150-foot stairway to the beach known as Jacobs’ Ladder.

Although Jacobia only existed for a handful of years in the first quarter of the twentieth century, its legacy still endures. Using research and images, Peter Cook, the Programs Director at the North Berrien Historical Society in Coloma, will detail the rise and fall of Jacobs and his towering ambition.

Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Beautify your surroundings with gorgeous plants by supporting the South Haven Scott Club Annual Flower Sale. Funds raised will help us maintain our historic building and provide a rich variety of programs.

Presented by Julie Sheppard

The South Haven History Club will showcase their talents! For those who don’t know it, these kiddos work 5 days a week for months on their academic challenge projects. They are an inclusive group and students can choose their topic that fits the theme and the category that they would like to use to present it. This year’s theme is Communication in History. Students may choose from: writing a paper, designing a website, creating a project board, creating a documentary film or doing a performance. They also learn how to write an annotated bibliography, process paper and how to interview. The South Haven History Club has represented the entire state of Michigan in Washington DC for 11 consecutive years. They now have two national wins out of thousands of entries across the United States and International Schools! Membership meeting will follow program.

By Michael McCarthy

Michael McCarthy, a former reporter and editor for The Wall Street Journal, will discuss his national bestseller, Ashes Under Water: The SS Eastland and the Shipwreck That Shook America. The book brought to life a tragedy in which more than 800 people, mostly poor women and children, perished in a steamship capsize in 1915. It hit the New York Times bestseller list in 2015 and inspired a documentary film, forthcoming on PBS, titled Eastland: Chicago’s Deadliest Day.

Presented by Connie Schaffer

Connie Schaffer will describe her experiences working with her husband on construction of dormitories and other necessary buildings for rescued girls in Kajiado, Kenya. She will also share stories from the girls who attend the school and of a drilling rig that hit water. The project was organized by Maranatha Volunteers International, a group started in Michigan over 50 years ago. This will be a compelling program. Membership meeting will follow program.

Presented by Doug Peterson

Doug will entertain us with Irish music to get us into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit.

Presented by Dr. Pamela Cook Miller

Storytelling is at the root of who we are, where we came from, and how we live. In the 1980s a National Storytelling Revival was begun in Jonesborough, TN with echoes which have resonated around the world. The National Storytelling Festival is in its 48th year, and Jonesborough is considered THE WORLD CAPITAL OF STORYTELLING.

Dr. Miller, is a performing member of the Jonesborough Storytellers’ Guild and founder of the Storytelling Resource Center, the only museum/library of storytelling in the world, which contains thousands of books, recordings, art and artifacts. Dr. Miller will present some of the many important uses of storytelling for adults in education, psychology, healing, literature, and entertainment.