Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum "The Home of Benton Harbor History"
Open Hours: Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Henry C. Morton was one of the founders of the city of Benton Harbor. J.S.

Morton and his family built the Morton House in 1849 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The family continued to be well known in the city and involved with its growth and prosperity. In 1874 J.S. Morton, son of Henry Morton, helped facilitate the area’s steamboat industry, owning many vessels that ran from Benton Harbor to Chicago and back. The Mortons were also known as large real estate holders in the

area. Morton also held many different local official posts in the area. The Morton family continued to live in the house until J.S. Morton’s death in 1936. After his death Morton left the house to the city’s Federation of Clubs. It was J.S. Morton’s aspiration that the Morton Homestead would be used for educative and community activities of all kinds. The Morton House survives today as a museum whose mission is to support and be involved with local community activities and to educate visitors on the founding and history of the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Please call with questions on tours and visiting hours.

The blue flower carpet was in full bloom today at Morton Cemetery. So very beautiful!
03/29/2026

The blue flower carpet was in full bloom today at Morton Cemetery. So very beautiful!

Dear Benton Harbor Schools Alumni:We would like your help! The Morton House Museum, “The Home of Benton Harbor History,...
03/17/2026

Dear Benton Harbor Schools Alumni:

We would like your help! The Morton House Museum, “The Home of Benton Harbor History,” is putting together its 2026 season exhibit, which is “Benton Harbor Schools.”

We are seeking any interesting items you might have regarding your school days: artifacts, memorabilia, mementos, photographs, uniforms, awards, etc. We can scan your items, or we can have you loan them to the Museum for the season and then return them to you in the fall. If you have items, please contact Executive Director Chuck Jager at (269) 313-2106 or [email protected].

We would also love to hear your stories about your school experiences. Take a few minutes and write them down, and send them to us. We are also planning three events with the BH Schools Exhibit: “Legendary Benton Harbor Teachers,” “Musical and Marching Memories: the Benton Harbor Band and Choir,” and “Triumphs on the Court: Benton Harbor Basketball.” We’d love to have you share your stories at these events.

We would also love items and stories from those who went to St. John’s High School, other parochial schools, and BH Junior College and Lake Michigan College.

(269) 313-2106
[email protected]

11/14/2025

It is with some sadness that the Morton House Museum has decided not to hold our Holiday Open House this year. We encourage you to take part in some other community holiday event instead.

10/18/2025

It's not too late to come to our Chili Dinner and Trivia event tonight. We have spaces available, so feel free to show up at the door! 6-8 p.m. tonight.

Come on out Saturday and hear about the connections between the Benton Harbor Ship Canal and the Boeing airplane company...
10/17/2025

Come on out Saturday and hear about the connections between the Benton Harbor Ship Canal and the Boeing airplane company, the Father of Greater New York, and Al Capone!

📚✨ Upcoming Program at Hartford Public Library ✨📚

The Van Buren Regional Genealogical Society invites you to a fascinating program:
“History of the Benton Harbor Ship Canal”
📖 Presented by: Chuck Jager

🗓 Date: Saturday, October 18th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Hartford Public Library

This program is free and open to everyone. Come learn more about our local history and enjoy a great presentation!

It's the end of the season at the Morton House Museum. We are open today and Wednesday from 11 to 2, and then no more o...
10/11/2025

It's the end of the season at the Morton House Museum. We are open today and Wednesday from 11 to 2, and then no more open hours until May. Last chances to see the Little Italy exhibit!

We had lots of fun on "The Morning Show with Ken & Friends" yesterday morning. We talked about our Chili Dinner & Trivi...
10/10/2025

We had lots of fun on "The Morning Show with Ken & Friends" yesterday morning. We talked about our Chili Dinner & Trivia night, the Underground Railroad in Benton Harbor, and the failed merger of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor! And a Morton House ghost story!

Good morning and happy Thursday! After you dust the frost off the pumpkin, join us for a talk about Benton Harbor history! Chuck Jager with the Morton House ...

10/02/2025

We are sorry, but we are not open on Saturday. Also, the bicyling tour for Saturday has been canceled.

We don't have many more days in our 2025 season to see the "Benton Harbor's Little Italy: A Kaleidoscope of Cultures" e...
09/10/2025

We don't have many more days in our 2025 season to see the "Benton Harbor's Little Italy: A Kaleidoscope of Cultures" exhibit. We are open today until 2.

One of our visitors had chalk and paper and was able to help us read a faded headstone. Very cool!
09/06/2025

One of our visitors had chalk and paper and was able to help us read a faded headstone. Very cool!

It's an absolutely gorgeous fall day, here at Morton Cemetery! Guides will be here until 2. $10 person with all proceeds...
09/06/2025

It's an absolutely gorgeous fall day, here at Morton Cemetery! Guides will be here until 2. $10 person with all proceeds going to the Morton House.

The Friends of Crystal Springs and Morton cemeteries did a magnificent job of prepping the grounds for today. ❤️

09/06/2025

It's not too late to join us! You can pay with a card or cash at the entrance to the cemetery.

Address

501 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor, MI
49022

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 2pm
Saturday 11am - 2pm

Telephone

+12693132106

Website

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