Correction: The original version of this article had the incorrect date for the event. It has since been corrected. We apologize for the error and are happy to correct it.

While Dowagiac may not be the largest city in the world, the community has a history as rich and vibrant as any.

From being the first destination of the infamous Orphan Train in 1854 to establishing itself as “Furnace City USA” during the heyday of the Round Oak Stove Company and Rudy Furnace Company around the turn of the century, The Grand Old City has been the focus of more than its fair share of stories — all of which can be found at the Dowagiac Area History Museum.

However, preserving and maintaining the thousands of local treasures housed within the downtown institution does not come cheap.

Next month, the community will have a chance to help the museum with its stewardship of Dowagiac’s and Cass County’s history during its first-ever “Keep History Alive” fundraiser, which will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Dowagiac Elks Lodge, 300 Riverside Drive. The event will feature dinner, a cash bar, music, and silent and live auctions, and will raise money for the Dowagiac Area History Museum’s general operations.

Tickets to the fundraiser cost $30, and may be purchased at the museum, 201 E. Division St.

Although the museum has organized fundraising drives in the past, this is the first time its leaders have put together an event such as this, said Director Steve Arseneau. He and the museum’s advisory board have kicked around the idea of putting a fun evening of giving together for several years, and finally set out to do so earlier this year.

Cassopolis’ Smokin’ Good BBQ will provide food for the evening. Although they are still working out the menu, guests can expect fare such as pulled pork sandwiches, Arseneau said.

“We wanted this to be a more casual affair — and who doesn’t love barbecue?” Arseneau said.

Organizers will also be serving vegetarian dishes during the evening.

On top of good food, attendees will have the chance to get their hands on a variety of different items through a silent and live auction, the latter of which will be conducted by John Glassman, with Eau Claire’s Glassman Auctions & Real Estate. Among the items that will be up for grabs that evening includes:

• Tickets to various college sporting events, including Notre Dame and Michigan State football

• A 20-minute plane ride from a local pilot

• Vacation packages through Niles’ Signal Travel & Tours Inc., including a trip to Mexico

• An assortment of meats from Wright Farms

• A bath and shower from Lyons Industries

“We’re hoping to raise $5,000 [through the event],” Arseneau said. “Based on the items we have up for auction, I think we will be able to reach that goal.”

Guests have been purchasing tickets at a steady rate since they went on sale several weeks ago, Arseneau said.

The director is encouraging everyone, from the museum’s members to those who are simply passionate about local history, to attend the fundraiser next month.

“We want to make this something we can do every year,” Arseneau said. “We would like all our supporters to get together for a casual evening that will keep our local history alive.”