The 44th District Court is one of 100 district courts in the state of Michigan. It handles small claims civil matters up to $25,000, traffic cases and all preliminary examinations for criminal cases that originate in Royal Oak. Two judges work in the airy, modern courthouse, which was constructed through taxpayer-approved bonds in 2001. Before the new courthouse was built, the court was part of City Hall.
Established in 2001, the Birmingham Historical Museum and Park provides a place for Birmingham residents to congregate and learn about their community. Comprised of the historic Allen House, the John West Hunter House, and the John West Hunter Historic Park, the park is located on the outskirts of town, where Southfield meets Maple Road.
Home to Birmingham's first settlers, the John West Hunter House is named after its first resident and was built in 1822. It is the oldest building in Birmingham, and one of the oldest structures in the state. The interior is a reproduction of the original 1822 interior, and is accessed via a museum guide.
The Allen House, home to the museum's main administrative offices, was built in 1928 and the home of Birmingham's first mayor, Harry Allen. The Allen House has also been restored, and currently hosts a lineup of rotating exhibits.
