|
The Museum at SMC  Featuring exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages, The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College is an interactive adventure in local history and an exploration in science and technology. It is located on the Dowagiac campus at 58900 Cherry Grove Road. The History Center provides the unique opportunity to travel back in time. Try on vintage-style clothing of the 19th Century, or travel through an archeological time tunnel. Solve mysteries of the past by reconstructing pottery from shards. Learn about the history of southwest Michigan by peeking into the lives of early settlers, Native Americans and others who made an impact on Dowagiac. The Science & Technology Galleries offer hands-on exploration as you use your senses to experience stimulating displays of light, sound, motion and energy. Exhibits within the Kaleidoscope Gallery change every few months, as many are on loan from nationally renowned touring companies. Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. To learn more about The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College or to receive a schedule of its Kaleidoscope Gallery exhibits, call (269) 782-1374 or visit the museum on the web at www.smc.cc.mi.us/museum.
National Heddon Museum  Located
in the former Heddon factory at 414 West Street, the National Heddon
Museum preserves the history of the Heddon family's many contributions
to the fishing tackle industry and to the City of Dowagiac.It was along the banks of Mill Pond in the late-1890s that James Heddon sat whittling, while waiting for a friend. When he got up to leave, he tossed the small piece of wood into the water, where it was struck by a bass. That seemingly insignificant event led him to build a top-water lure, which he called the "Dowagiac." By the 1920s, Heddon's Sons was the world's largest producer of quality fishing tackle. At the centerpiece of the family's history and of the museum is James Heddon's Sons Co. From its inception in 1902 until its departure in 1984, the company made fishing tackle, golf club shafts, ski poles, violin bows, box kites and even radio antennae during World War II. On display are more than 1,000 lures, 140 reels and 150 rods, including an original James Heddon frog, one of the most sought-after of all collector lures. Visitors can also view models of the famous "flying fish" airplanes, produced by Heddon Aviation Co. The museum is open Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; the last Sunday of the month from 1:30 to 4 p.m.; or by special appointment. Admission is free. To learn more about the National Heddon Museum call (269) 782-5698 or e-mail museum officials at |
