ABOUT US
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Heritage Park
3417 West Main Street, Midland, MI 48640
The Midland County Historical Society preserves local records, archives, artifacts and other items for professional needs and informal purposes, and creates exceptional cooperative heritage-based programs. MCHS creates one-of-a-kind educational programs for area school districts to perpetuate vintage crafts and historical activities, bringing Midland County history to thousands of students each year.
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HERITAGE PARK
Travel through time and explore the history of Midland County at Heritage Park – a unique combination of state-of-the-art archival and multi-purpose facilities in a pleasant campus setting located less than a mile from Midland Center for the Arts. Three facilities make up Heritage Park, all within walking distance of each other.
• The Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center – the “gateway” to Heritage Park –houses the Dorothy Dow Arbury Midland County History Gallery, a colorful, dynamic space offering hands-on interactive exhibits where you can "talk" to Midland’s founders, visit its Main Street of a century ago and see vignettes of its history – from the beginning to today. The building also has a research library providing a wide assortment of unusual and interesting materials concerning local and general history (including Midland County Circuit Court records from 1857 through 1945), historical periodicals, and an archival collection of Midland County artifacts from its early days to contemporary times. There’s also an exhibition gallery with displays that change throughout the year. Past exhibitions include Pinball Wizards, Tales from the Circuit Court, and Legacy for a New Generation – Midland’s African American Community.
• The multi-media exhibits and innovative audio and video displays of the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum provide a fascinating look at the birth of Midland’s largest business and the evolution of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. From the aspirin you take for a headache, to the thin plastic used to cover food, to the dye that makes jeans blue - they all had their beginnings in Midland, thanks to the pioneering chemical experiments of Herbert H. Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company.
• Experience the authentic Victorian Gothic architecture of the beautifully restored 1874 Bradley Home, a hands-on historic house museum where you can enjoy a glimpse of the everyday life of an early Midland family. The adjacent Carriage House features an amazing collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, and is home to mid-Michigan’s largest functioning blacksmith’s shop. |
Herbert D. Doan History Center
  
Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum
  
Bradley Home Museum
and Carriage House |
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“Since its founding in 1952, Midland County Historical Society has been honored to perform the key role of preserving the history of Midland County for future generations. We look forward to continuing our responsibility of keeper of our Midland County heritage through interactive and unique programming.”
- Gary Skory, Director
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GETTING INVOLVED – we can’t do it without your help!
Like what you see? Let us refund your money when you convert your daily admission to a yearly membership! There are many benefits of Museum membership in addition to FREE admission – and a membership pays for itself after only a couple of visits!
If you enjoy connecting with the past and learning about its impact on the present and future, consider becoming a Midland County Historical Society Volunteer – it’s fun & easy! We’re always looking for volunteers to serve as:
• docents and tour guides
• gallery sitters
• exhibitions assistants
• library and archive maintenance assistants
Check out our Ways to Give to discover ways you can financially support our on-going programming. |
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YEARLY HAPPENINGS
Fun and educational yearly happenings keep history alive in our community. There’s a quilt exhibition, Victorian Funeral Tea and Cemetery Tours, and the Bradley Home all decked out for the holidays during Alight at Night tours. |
  
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Remember to watch for special events like Fireside Chats, Heritage Series talks, lectures and receptions that pop up during the year, designed to enhance your appreciation and understanding of our unique history. |
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EDUCATION
Discover all that MCHS camps and classes have to offer! Boys and girls will develop a love of history as they learn through hands-on activities including games, cooking, and crafts. Scholarships are available for qualifying students. |
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FOR EDUCATORS
It’s easy to book a field trip specifically tailored to your class! Trained docents lead tours especially designed for the needs of school groups, home schooled students and adults. History Outreach Programs such as “Touching Tour,” “Root Cellar and Ice Box,” and “Chemist and Architect” connect students to history in a fun and entertaining way. When you call, be sure to enquire about school field trip grants – money available to make possible a memorable outing for your class.
Watch for information on our FREE Educators Open House in September, bringing together local organization with resources for teachers.
Homeschool families will find a place here, too! Our Museum Homeschool Days provide opportunities to experience our Museums and to network.
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OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Our historical outreach programs partner with classroom instructors to bring history right into the classroom for regional students in an educational, fun and entertaining way. Students discover the fascinating changes Midland has undergone in “Midland History,” learn about the rough-and-tumble shanty life of the early lumbering trade in “Lumbering,” and discuss 20th century issues in “World War II Posters Loan Kit.” We tailor our Scout programs to include activities that best fit each age group, and offer birthday party fun for ages 5 to 13! |
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HISTORY – Who we are; what we do
The Midland County Historical Society (MCHS), established in 1952 as a non-profit educational organization, is a member organization of the Midland Center for the Arts, and oversees the operation of Heritage Park.
MISSION: The mission of MCHS is to research, study, write, present and promote the history of Midland County and that relationship to other history subjects. Our activities include the collection, preservation and dissemination of such knowledge and information, the collection and preservation of papers, books, records, relics and other things of historic interest; the right to acquire, hold, own, operate and manage property as necessary or advisable for these purposes and in general all activities appropriate for an historical society. |
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