Since its inception in 1990, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society’s mission has been to preserve this area’s history for future generations. In 2003, HSAHS embarked on an ambitious project to realize this mission with the restoration of a 120-year-old landmark building and the design of the future Harbor Springs History Museum.

The proposed renovation for the original City Hall, built in 1886 as the Emmet County seat, will restore this Victorian-era building on Main Street and adapt it to house a future area history museum. The architectural plans have been developed by Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer & Associates, a nationally recognized architectural firm specializing in historic preservation projects.

The Museum Will Feature:

• An interactive History Gallery with exhibits that tell the stories of early Odawa(Ottawa) settlement, the lumbering and fishing eras, resort life, downtown life, community celebrations and the families who have lived here for many generations.
• A Discovery Gallery specifically for children and families with hands-on activities that explore the lives and achievements of such notable residents as the inventor Ephraim Shay, Chief Andrew Blackbird and lighthouse keeper Elizabeth Whitney Williams.
• Display areas for collections of specific interest such as crafted quillwork or historic postcards.
• Exhibit galleries which will highlight private collections and traveling exhibits.
• A research library for studying genealogy, viewing city documents,
  hearing oral history tapes and reading about the area’s history.
• Collection care and storage space to preserve artifacts and objects.
• Meeting spaces that will also be available for community use.
• Gift shop with consignment sales by area artisans and artists
  

A Place Where History Lives
The original City Hall, located in close proximity to other historically significant buildings, is ideally situated to be a historical museum where:

• The remarkable history of Harbor Springs will live on.
• Visitors will learn about the big events and small moments in our
  area’s history in the words of the residents who lived them.
• Historical objects will be preserved and made accessible for future generations.
• Children will observe, imagine and learn about life in Harbor Springs long ago and today.
• Traveling exhibits will enrich the cultural life of the community year-round.

Help the Museum Grow
You can help make A Museum Grow in Harbor Springs with your tax-deductible contribution. For your convenience, you can download our Donor Form here , complete and mail to:

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
P.O. Box 812
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Leave a Legacy - Buy a Brick
Another way you can help the museum project is to purchase an engraved brick as part of our 'Legacy Patio' located at the entrance to the museum. This is an incredible opportunity to memorialize a loved one, honor a friend, teach a child the joy of giving, salute our beautiful city or show your support for the preservation of our community's rich heritage. You can download our Buy a Brick form here , complete and mail to the address above.

For more information about the project or to
discuss your donation, please contact us at
(231) 526-9771 or email hsahs@sbcglobal.net.