Editing Berrien Springs, Michigan (section)

===1839 courthouse===
{{main|Berrien Springs Courthouse}}

Berrien Springs courthouse, designed by local architect Gilbert B. Avery, was completed in 1839, making it the oldest courthouse in the state. The [[Greek Revival architecture|Greek Revival]]-style courthouse emulated the architecture of ancient Greece with its large columns, triangular [[pediment]] and white paint. After the county seat was moved in 1894, the building was put to various uses and briefly was vacant. In 1967, efforts to preserve and restore the courthouse were started. Such restoration was completed by 1975.<ref>Fedynsky, John (2010). [https://books.google.com/books?id=ogrel7yYnvQC&pg=PA24 ''Michigan's County Courthouses''], pp. 24–25. The University of Michigan Press.</ref>

The restored courthouse square also features the Midwest's most complete surviving mid-nineteenth century county government complex. Today the square houses a county museum and archives. The courthouse serves as headquarters for the Berrien County Historical Association. Its original buildings are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. The property is dedicated to the preservation of Berrien County's history and does this through permanent and temporary exhibits, programs, events, and community outreach.