Israelite House of David
The Israelite House of David was a Christian Israelite communal religious society organized in 1902 in Fostoria, Ohio, by Benjamin and Mary Purnell. The founders moved the organization to Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 1903. Today, the House of David is managed by Trustees working to preserve its rich history.
The House of David is operated on the original colony grounds on Britain Avenue in Benton Harbor. As a private institution, the buildings and grounds are not currently open to the public.
To learn more about the Israelite House of David, please explore our Learn & Explore pages.
Established in 2021, the Israelite House of David Archives & Collections is working to preserve an extensive collection of documents, records, manuscripts, photographs, and objects.
The Archives & Collections has holdings in three areas: the House of David, Local History (focusing on Berrien County, Michigan), and American Communal Societies. Our professional staff, interns, and volunteers look forward to sharing highlights from our collections with the public in the coming years.
Researchers can Click Here for more information on utilizing the Israelite House of David Archives & Collections.
Explore the History
Click on the topics below to explore different aspects of the House of David's history! Explore more topics through our Encyclopedia, a compilation of entries written by Archives & Collections staff and local researchers.
