Benzie Area Historical Museum
Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
What's Going On
All events take place at the Benzie Area Historical Museum unless otherwise noted.
May 24-July 5
History Detective
An interactive exhibit of clothing and everyday items that aren't used every day. Clues available to help solve the mysteries.
Thursday, June 12 7:00PM
at the Mills Community House
Benzonia Academy Lecture Seriesat the Mills Community House
"Highlights in the History of West Michigan, including Idlewild and Lake County"
by Mike Nagle,
West Shore Community College
Every Wednesday,
June 25th-August 13
9:30AM-Noon
History Detectives:
Day Camp at the Museum
A tradition day camp program (crafts, snacks, stories, games, gardening, etc) with a touch of history; children ages 6-9, $5.00 per session. Program and staff provided by Camp Lookout. Call the museum for details and registration.June 25th-August 13
9:30AM-Noon
History Detectives:
Day Camp at the Museum
Saturday, June 28 1:00PM-3:00PM
Strawberry Social
at the Drake School
A special event to celebrate the current renovaions at this one room school house. Strawberry shortcake, lemonade or iced tea, for a $5.00 donation. Funds raised go to continuing projects at the school.
Monday, July 14 7:00PM
Benzonia Academy Lecture Series
"First Contact: Encounters Between Pennsylvania Colonists and Natives"
by Dr. David Hsiung
Juniata College, Huntington, PA
July 21-September 20
Benzonia Then and Now:
The Village's
Sesquicentannial Year
A photo exhibit of Benzonia--buildings, people, and placesThe Village's
Sesquicentannial Year
Monday, August 4th
Flotilla and Fun
at Point Betsie Lighthouse
Point Betsie Lighthouse, in collaboration with BAHS, celebrates its 150th year.
Thursday, August 14
at the Mills Community House
Benzonia Academy Lecture Series
"The Oberlin Connection: Benzonia and Religious Progressives in the 19th Century"
by Dr. Louis Yock
Director, Benzie Area Historical Museum
Saturday, August 16
Noon-2PM
Picnic in the Benzonia Park
A county wide picnic to celebrate Benzonia's Sesquicentennial. Music, brief ceremonies, and bell ringing at 2PM. Bring your picnic basket filled with food and your blankets to sit on for an fun old fashion day. Beverages available.
August 16
The Religious Colony of Benzonia
A new permanent exhibit at the Benzie Area Historical Museum opens
September 17
Camps, Cabins and Resorts
A new permanent exhibit at the Benzie Area Historical Museum opens
Thursday, September 11
at the Mills Community House
Benzonia Academy Lecture Series
"Why the Future Isn't What It Used to Be"
William Catton
Saturday, October 4
Guided Walking Tour of Benzonia
Saturday, October 11
Guided Walking Tour of Frankfort
Monday, October 20
Lighting of Pt Betsie Lighthouse
150 years to the day of the first lighting of Pt. Betsie Lighthouse
Friday, October 24
Haunts of Benzie County Tour
Exhibits
- Logging, including a working scale model of a logging mill
- Agriculture
- Victorian Rooms
- One-Room Schools
- General Store of the 1800s
- Dolls and Antique Toys
- Bruce Catton Display. This Benzonia native won the Pulitzer-prize and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- Ann Arbor Car Ferries, 1892-1982
- Commercial Fishing
- Gwen Frostic Room features some of her early copper and brass work.
- Mitchell Exhibit tells of the Mitchell Corporation’s early history and community involvement by the family.
- Hands-on play area for children.
Museum Store
Store merchandise includes original artwork by local artists, old-fashioned toys, and books of Benzie area history. Toys include wood puzzles, finger traps, pick up sticks, marbles, trains, trucks, and rocks.
Some of the available books by local authors are Waiting for the Morning Train, Bruce Catton; The Crystal Gazer, Leonard Case; The Royal Frontanac Hotel, George Richey and Pete Sandman; Isle of View; A History of South Manitou Island, Charles M. Anderson; My 90 Years In The Northwoods, Bernie Griner, and Daylight In the Swamp, William and Edith Overlease.
Newsletter
The Benzie Heritage is published and distributed quarterly. If you would like to be on the mailing list, use the Join Us selection to find out how to become a member.
Contacting Us
Call the Benzie Area Historical Museum at 231-882-5539, or email us at bmuseum@att.net
