In his final months, Berryman worked tirelessly on an exhibit about the growth of technology throughout time, Morgan said. “Adventures in Time and the Third Dimension,” will open in February with the help of the rest of the museum’s curators, Morgan said.

“In many ways it’s very fitting that Val’s last project will be a very dynamic and popular exhibit for everybody,” Morgan said. “It’s kind of a tribute to Val that many, many people will be able to enjoy and learn from it.”

Morgan said finishing the exhibit will be a good way for members of the museum to say goodbye to Berryman, who worked there for nearly half a century.

He said Berryman was a fairly quiet individual, although he would give a well-thought-out opinion when he felt it necessary. He added Berryman didn’t enjoy the limelight and asked that no formal service be held in the event of his death.

“He knew a little about a lot of things,” said MSU Director of Arts and Cultural Initiatives Kurt Dewhurst, who worked with Berryman for about 35 years. “We’ll miss having someone with his knowledge and his enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge with others.”

Art history and visual culture senior Jeannie Koerber, who interned at the museum during the fall, said Berryman definitely will be missed as a “guru” who everyone turned to for information and help.

Dewhurst said many people might not realize how much work it takes to run the museum to which Berryman dedicated his life.

“He always said he was very fortunate to work at the museum and loved his work,” Dewhurst said.
He said Berryman would always take the time to find answers for those with historical objects or questions and truly enjoyed his life’s work.

“The museum was his life — that’s where his heart was,” said Berryman’s only sibling Donna Bowman, who is retired in Florida and has a daughter and two grandchildren. “He was a loving, compassionate, dedicated person. He loved the museum. He loved the work he did.”

He was perhaps best known for his Christmas-themed displays every year, and his vast knowledge and extensive collection of Christmas and Santa Claus-themed items — which earned him the title “Mr. Christmas.”

With a chuckle, Morgan added Berryman’s bushy, white beard might have helped the nickname stick.

Students and coworkers shared fond memories of Berryman on the MSU Museum Facebook page throughout the weekend.

“I still use much of what you taught me,” wrote one Facebook user. “I will miss you, your knowledge, and will keep my memories of working for you close and dear.”