Kingman Museum: From Local Legacy to Global Exploration
Kingman Museum’s journey began deep in the heart of Battle Creek’s history. It all started during the Civil War, when the first collections were acquired and displayed in the Central Building of Battle Creek Public Schools, which opened in 1871.
In the same year, high school student Edward Morris Brigham helped organize a collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils, sparking his lifelong passion for museum work. Brigham’s enthusiasm took him on expeditions to the Amazon, Alaska, and Hawaii, where he made groundbreaking discoveries, including documenting the rare hoatzin bird. His global collections laid the foundation for what would become Kingman Museum’s core.
After Brigham became the museum’s first director in 1906, he expanded the collection, adding cultural artifacts and rare fossils from his travels, and even contributed to major institutions like the Smithsonian and the Field Museum.
In the 1920s, Brigham dreamed of an educational campus to house art, natural history, music, and more. With the help of Emma Kingman’s generous donation in memory of her husband, Senator A.C. Kingman, and land from local benefactors like Leila Post Montgomery, the dream of a dedicated museum building was realized. In 1933, the Kingman Memorial Museum opened its doors at Leila Arboretum.
The museum’s leadership continued to thrive under Edward Brigham, Jr., who expanded its global collection. However, due to financial challenges in the late 20th century, the museum faced closure. Determined to preserve the legacy, community members formed Kingman Museum, Inc., securing the museum’s future as an independent non-profit.
Fast forward to 2024, Kingman Museum is undergoing a major reimagination. A $1.7 million renovation is transforming the building, alongside the guidance of a new board of directors. This reimagination will shape Kingman Museum into a regional destination with a renewed focus on community outreach, education, and research. The future holds exciting new opportunities to connect, learn, and explore through programs designed for all ages.
