Programs and Events

By John N. Low, JD, Ph.D.

Professor Low will share the story of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and their influence on southwest Michigan. From ancient times to the present and future, the Pokagon Potawatomi have always relied on the power of storytelling to sustain themselves and their community.

John N. Low received his Ph.D. in American Culture at the University of Michigan and is an enrolled citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He is also the recipient of a graduate certificate in Museum Studies and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is a retired Professor from Ohio State University and former Director of the Newark Earthworks Center.

By Steven D Rigoni

Steven will present a first-person impression of James Henry Wheaton, a local soldier who served in the 1st Michigan Infantry during the Civil War. Steve’s research for this presentation is drawn from over 70 letters sent home by Wheaton, as well as period newspapers and other historical records.

Steven is a historian with a wide range of interests from the Civil War, WWI and WWII aviation, and all Local SW Michigan history. He is particularly interested in collecting, researching, and constructing educational and informative displays of Michigan Civil War Images and Letters, and WWII Drone Engines.

By Nancy Brock

Late in WWI the United States sent over 5,000 soldiers to Archangel in northern Russia at the request of the British allies. Many believed their mission was to guard supplies, but the mission changed. What happened? Who was there? Nancy Brock will present a brief history of the 1918-1919 Polar Bear Expedition with bio sketches of area veterans who participated and to remember their contributions and experiences.

Nancy is a Mattawan native with a lifelong appreciation of local history. She has been researching WWI Polar Bears from southwest Michigan for more than eight years.

By Curt Tofteland, Founder, Shakespeare Behind Bars Program

The Mission of Shakespeare Behind Bars is to offer theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated, post-incarcerated, marginalized, and at-risk communities, allowing them to develop and expand life skills that will support their reintegration into society. Founded in 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars is the oldest, continuously operating program of its kind in North America. Each year Shakespeare Behind Bars serves 200+ incarcerated adults and juveniles in thirteen SBB programs in Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois.

Curt L. Tofteland, as the Founder of the internationally acclaimed Shakespeare Behind Bars program, produced and directed fourteen all-male Shakespeare plays. SBB is the subject of the multiple award-winning documentaries by Philomath Films. During his twenty-year tenure as the Producing Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Curt produced fifty Shakespeare productions, directed twenty-five, and acted in eight. As a professional director and an Equity actor, he has 200+ professional productions to his credit. Additionally, he has presented 400+ performances of his one man show Shakespeare’s Clownes: A Foole’s Guide to Shakespeare.

The South Haven Scott Club is pleased to host the Community Soup Luncheon on Saturday, November 22nd from 11 am to 2 pm at their Michigan Historic Site at 652 Phoenix Street. All are welcome at this fun event that serves as a kickoff to the holiday season in concert with other local events. There will be something for everyone with a range of options including vegan and vegetarian; come early to choose your favorite. A beverage and dessert are also included, and a to-go option will be available. Come out and support the Scott Club and warm up with some hot soup and festive company.
The suggested donation is $10.

Reservations required. RSVP to info@scottclub.org. Free and open to all.

Come to the Historic Scott Club to have brunch and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families will have time to enjoy brunch and then head upstairs to spend time with Santa and take pictures to capture this fun experience. Children will receive a gift bag and do a craft item to take home. Seating will be available at 10:00 am and 11:00 am.

12:00 pm at Van Buren County Senior Services, 08337 M-140. NO ZOOM.
RSVP Required. Email to info@scottclub.org

An update from the Scott Club Board of Directors will start at noon, followed by a fabulous luncheon and entertainment by these amazing students. The South Haven High School Chamber Orchestra is led by Jessica Fiedorowicz.

RSVP is required to attend. Members will receive a notification.