Yesterday’s Stories, Tomorrow’s Possibilities.
As the holiday season brings cherished memories of years gone by, we’re reminded how deeply our shared history connects us as a community. For generations, families across Barry County have made Historic Charlton Park part of their traditions — walking the village streets, visiting the museum, and sharing the stories that make this place home.
Your support keeps those traditions alive. A year-end gift to the Charlton Park Village Foundation helps us preserve this special place while building an even brighter future.
Thanks to community-minded donors like you, 2026 will be another year of pride and progress:
- The 1884 Westinghouse steam traction engine will be repaired to keep it rolling through the historic
- village for years to come.
- The 2026 Collections and Education Intern will explore their interests and support education programs that serve 5,000+ students.
- The Mainstreet buildings will get a fresh coat of paint in preparation for America’s 250th birthday!
2025 Project Highlights
Our 2025 projects would not have been possible without your generous support. Learn more about our efforts to preserve the past for the future!
2025 Foundation Internship - Makayla Casarez
Makayla was born and raised in Hastings, and is a senior history major at Aquinas College. Over the 2025 summer, Makayla assisted with education programs, and events, but her main focus was in the artifact collection. Interns get to select an interest area and create a display in the Irving D. Charlton Memorial Museum. Makayla chose ladies fashion, including Arts and Crafts, and Art Nouveau jewelry. Giving budding museum professionals the opportunity to curate a display from start to finish is a highly effective learning experience that propels them into a future career. You can view the exhibit at the Museum or explore our online catalog!
Education Programs - Going Strong!
Education programming continues to grow at Historic Charlton Park. The quality of the content, and the beauty of the historic village, brings schools back year after year. More than 5,000 students attended programs from Barry County, and an additional 10 counties, making HCP a learning hub in West Michigan!
Bristol Inn - 177 Years Young
The Bristol Inn is the heart of the the historic village. Strong memories are made in this building, whether you have visited the kitchen as a student, walked its halls during a special event, or volunteered your time baking cookies. Maintaining this community center is of paramount importance. In 2025, the Bristol Inn was spruced up with exterior repairs and new paint thanks the Charlton Park Village Foundation and your generous support!
Your gift today ensures that Historic Charlton Park remains not only a place of reflection but also a thriving destination for learning, gathering, and celebrating our community’s past and future. Whether you’re able to contribute $50, $100, or more, your generosity matters deeply.
This holiday season, please consider the gift of new memories at Historic Charlton Park — for you, for your children or grandchildren, and for the generations to come in Barry County.
Donations in any amount are appreciated!
