Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Introduction

The Chippewa County Historical Society, nestled at 115 Ashmun St in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a treasure trove of local history and culture. Established to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Chippewa County, the society invites visitors to explore its fascinating past through a variety of engaging exhibits and educational programs. This comprehensive article delves into the main services, location, featured characteristics, practical information, and positive aspects of the Chippewa County Historical Society.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The society maintains a diverse array of permanent and rotating exhibits that showcase the county's history, from Native American artifacts to the early days of European settlement, the fur trade, and the growth of the lumber industry.
• Research Library: The on-site library houses an extensive collection of genealogical records, photographs, newspapers, and other historical documents, providing invaluable resources for anyone interested in tracing their family history or delving into local history.
• Educational Programs: The Chippewa County Historical Society offers a range of educational programs, including school tours, workshops, and lectures, designed to engage and inform both students and adults about the county's rich heritage.
• Special Events: The society hosts various special events throughout the year, such as historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations, providing unique opportunities for visitors to connect with the past.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The society is situated near the intersection of Ashmun Street and Easterday Avenue, within walking distance of several other historic sites and local attractions.

• Public Transportation: The city's public bus service, The Point, has a stop nearby, allowing visitors to reach the historical society via public transit.
• Parking: The society offers on-site parking, with accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities. Additionally, there is ample street parking available in the surrounding area.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The historical society is housed in a historic building that was originally constructed in 1872 as the First Presbyterian Church. This beautiful, architecturally significant structure has been carefully restored and preserved to maintain its historic charm.
• Accessibility: The Chippewa County Historical Society is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all visitors. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator providing access to all levels, and there is a wheelchair-accessible restroom on-site.
• Gift Shop and Research Library: The society's gift shop offers a variety of unique, historically-themed items for sale, including books, maps, and souvenirs, providing the perfect memento of your visit. The adjacent research library is a valuable resource for those interested in delving deeper into the county's history.

Practical Information

• Address: 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, United States
• Phone: 9066357082
• Website: cchsmi.com
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Open by appointment on Sundays and Mondays)
• Admission: Free (Donations appreciated)

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Chippewa County Historical Society has received widespread praise from visitors, earning an average rating of 4.7/5 from 18 reviews on Google My Business. Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include:

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff: Many reviewers highlighted the exceptional customer service provided by the society's staff, who were consistently described as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
• Engaging exhibits: Visitors frequently praised the society's engaging and well-curated exhibits, which successfully brought the county's history to life.
• Well-preserved historic building: Several reviewers commented on the beautiful, historic building that houses the society, noting its well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere.
• Value for money: Despite offering free admission (with donations appreciated), visitors consistently praised the society for providing excellent value for money, with many describing it as a hidden gem.

The Chippewa County Historical Society is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich history and cultural heritage of Chippewa County. Its engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and beautiful historic building combine to create a memorable and informative experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring the region, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a must-visit destination that offers a unique glimpse into the fascinating past of this captivating area.

👍 Reviews of Chippewa County Historical Society

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Ruth N.

5/5

The train display is great! Especially great for train enthusiasts and kiddos!

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.

Kelli Z.

5/5

The recreated buildings in the train display allowed me to revisit my childhood in the Soo! The volunteer helped guide us where to go for more Native American history in the area. The ancestory tree posted was very informative

John P.

4/5

Small museum a lot of space has an O gauge train layout representing a past Chippewa County. The kids will love to see it and it has a few interactive buttons. Just watch that they don't try to touch with out asking first. It was a good way to explain logging, mining, & other industries of the area to the kids. While doing that a spouse can check out the rest of the museum. Stuff was friendly and helpful. Was a nice stop for a short visit. Put, a few buck in to help them out on the way out.

Tracy T.

5/5

We stopped by here after a nice lunch across the street and were so happy we did. We were met by a young man, Rowan. He may have been a teenager but he was a very informative and engaging guide! His passion for history and youthful exuberance really made for an interesting local history lesson. It’s definitely worth your time to stop in. They also have a great selection of local history books.

Carol M.

5/5

Love Bernie Arabic stories!!’ Also all of the info and pictures from the Coullards, and other contributors .and especially
your staff!. Thanks!!!

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Jim T.

5/5

Wonderful woman who was on duty the day we visited. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Great big model train set up of the area that works. Many local displays. Located in a beautiful historic building and worth stopping by.

Andrey S. (.

5/5

Chippewa County Historical Society has an amazing scaled model of the town & railroad, plus artifacts and souvenirs. Building’s under renovation, so it’ll be even better soon! A must for history buffs.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.