Our Mission
The Schoolcraft Historical Society shall collect, preserve and perpetuate the historic heritage of Schoolcraft County, Michigan, and of the records of the early settlers of the County and of the families of Schoolcraft County people and of the churches, schools and other institutions, and to arouse in the friends and citizens of the county an interest in its history; to encourage the love of local history in the youth of the County; to foster and support investigation, study and research into the historical information pertaining to the County; to publish, and disseminate historical information; and to encourage the preservation of historical sites and structures. The Schoolcraft County Historical Society Webpage was created to promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation for Schoolcraft County’s history and traditions.
New Museum Fund Drive
Riverside Coal and Produce Company building circa 1919
The Schoolcraft County Historical Society has begun a capital campaign to fund a new museum. Hundreds of artifacts relating to the rich history of Schoolcraft County are stored away in the society’s archive building, inaccessible to the public—all for the lack of a suitable place to display them.
The former Manistique Lumber Company warehouse building next to the siphon bridge on River Street is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It dates back to the 1880’s and originally housed a laundry. Now however, the building must either be torn down or moved to make way for the highly anticipated extended boardwalk project along the Manistique River.
The historical society plans to move the venerable structure to its property on the corner of Deer Street and Weston Avenue. Grant funding will be sought to renovate the building as needed to safely display historical artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Schoolcraft County. The former laundry building will be connected with the current garage and archive building already on the site. The latter will house records related to historical and genealogical research and will be open to the public by appointment.
Granite Tiles
The historical society is currently offering memorial granite tiles that will be placed along the outside wall of the museum building as a permanent memorial for yourself, your business, your ancestors or your ancestors’ business. Tiles can be purchased for $375.00 for a 12 x 12-inch tile or $750.00 for a 12 x 24-inch tile. Artwork is an additional $200. Examples tiles can be viewed at the Water Tower, the Post House, and area businesses. Link to order form: https://schs.cityofmanistique.org/wp-content/uploads/SCHS-Granite-Tile-Form-.docx
Ways to Support the Society
Join! Donate In Memory/Honor of Someone Special
The historical society offers Lifetime memberships for $200.00 per person, Annual memberships $20, and Student memberships for $10. Members benefits include newsletters highlighting historical information and upcoming events of interest; monthly meeting participation, as well as member rates on many of the services we offer. Donation to the society In Memory/Honor of an individual is a wonderful contribution as well.
To join or donate, please send check to Schoolcraft County Historical Society at P.O. Box 284, Manistique, Michigan 49854. Please include your email address and contact information. You can also join and donate through PayPal by using the “Donate” button at the top of the page. https://schs.cityofmanistique.org/wp-content/uploads/SCHS-Membership-Form.docx
Thank you! Lifetime Members
| Nicki Johnson-Acker | Denkins Family | Marcy Johnson | Ellyn F. Plackowski |
| Jean Anthony | Ellen Derber | Anne L. Kaiser | Susan Primellas |
| William H. Banzhaf | Karen Larsen-Derwin | Kopecky Well Drilling | Putvin Drug Store |
| Adela Backiel | Carol A. & Darrell L. Dixson | Jane Kopecky | Char Rohring |
| Alan & Julie Barr | Lee & Jan Ekblad | Melissa Kozicki | Janice Rozich |
| Sally Bartos | Diane & Marv Evink | Eric Kramer | Jill Rubel |
| Bruce & Judith Behrens | Sherryl & Andy Faltum | Sherri Krause | Ellie Russey |
| Karen Berner | Brenda Faulkner | Karen & Mike Lafoille | William Shust |
| Ed & Lisa Binkley | Linda Fleischer | Mike Lampen | Judith Slingsby |
| Jo Blahnik | Trish Forstner-Cayia | Shirley Lee | Kevin T. Smith |
| Aaron Bouschor | Darlene Furmanek | Marsha Lunnon | Gregg D. Stoll |
| William B. Boyle | Marla Gearhart | Harold Mageski | Kristie Swanson |
| Melissa Bradford | Gerald E Gray | Gregory A. Main | Stephanie Thompson |
| Jacqueline K. Bruce | Gloria Haindl | Louise Berger-Massey | Susan Atwater-Thornton |
| Carla J. Burley | Nila Haug | Jerry & Suzette Mattson | Kevin Thorell |
| Lisa K. Busch | Bill Hentschell | Mark McCune | Gloria Tiglas |
| Thomas J. Carlson | David Hewitt | Nick Modders | Rita Walsh |
| Robert Carowitz | Janet Hickey | Gregory Mulligan | Linda Webb |
| Robert V. Cayia | Molly Hoholik | Paula Olsen | Greg Weber |
| Virginia Clairmont | Nick Hoholik | Brenda Osterhout | Jim & Barbara Weber |
| Kimberly Cochran | Maurita Holland | Roger Pashak | Linda Weber |
| David Colyer | Christian F. Holmes | Paul’s Plumbing & Appliance | Cynthia Weiss |
| James Halsey Cowman | Kay Jarski | Rick & Cindy Pawley | Portraits Plus |
| Jean Curran | Ann Johnson | Donna Atwater-Penny | Melissa White |
| Kathy Wise | |||
| Meg Wnuk | |||
| Abbey Wood | |||
| Jo Anne Wood | |||
| Angus D. Wright |
The laundry building in the 1880’s when a wooden bridge spanned the river.
Donations In Memory/Honor Of…
Albert Nich Billie Doyle Patrick J. McNamara Randy and Dory Garrison
George Fish Janice Rozich Judith Wright Randy & Dory Garrison
Francis & Alice McNamara Wayne Stanley Earl Charles Cowman
Beverly Gintz