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Bay County Historical Society
Established 1919

321 Washington Ave. - Bay City, MI 48708
Bay County, Michigan - Organized 1857

Events
Calendar
Second Saturday Series.
-- Free monthly history presentation. This popular and informative lecture series focuses on a differnt history subject on the second Saturday of each month, except for holiday weekends.

Historical Museum
Exhibits & Building.
Time-period exhibits and artifacts are displayed on two floor levels of the historical building of the old Armory. Major exhibits include Bay County History, Kantzler Maritime Gallery and Selling Mrs. Consumer. In addition there is featured exhibit room rotating special historical displays every few months.

Butterfield Library.
-- Houses materials related to Bay County's history, i.e., books, subject files, photos and other documents. The library is open to the public several days a week, and is staffed with volunteers to assist you in researching subjects.

Gift Shop.
-- Large collection of various history related items for sale... Books, Souvenirs, Calendars, Pictures, Post Cards, etc.

Trombley House
Heritage Structure.
Completed about 1838, it was the first "framed" house built in Bay City, twenty years before Bay County was organized. In 1982 it was relocated to Veterans Memorial Park where it serves as a center of learning and other activities. Just south of it is the "Meyer's" log-cabin, and west of them, is the "Nate and Mary Doan Santa House."
  • View {Pictorial}

    • Heritage
    Tours
    Historical Bay City.
    Weekly guided tours are provided during the Summer months through different sections of Bay city's historical districts. Tour guides point out the significant sites and reveal their history. We also provide other "special tours."

    Tour
    of
    Homes
    Historical Mansions.
    Several home tours are held throughout the year thanks to the cooperation of their owners. Many of these unique homes were built by lumber barons of the 19th Century and industrialists from the early 20th Century.

    River
    of
    Time
    History Comes Alive.
    The society hosts this September weekend festival on the grounds of the Veterans Memorial Park. Time-period actors from around the country journey to the encampment in a living display of pioneer life.
    -- View [River of Time Website] / {Pictorial}

    Virtual
    Tour
    History on Display.
    The museum has two floors for displaying historical artifacts organized by a theme. A number of them are changed periodly with a new theme. Our largest display provides a walk through history beginning with native Indians and settlement period to the lumbering and Industrial eras. A slideshow is providedView the link below for a peak at some of the items on exhibit, then plan a visit to see them in person.
    -- View {Pictorial}

    Volunteers

    		 We're grateful.
    to our volunteers for their help at the museum and in our special activity programs. We encourage you to join them and experience the reward of contributing to your community's history.

    Donations

    		 We're thankful
    to the many individuals, groups and companies that have donated to help fund our special projects. Your financial support is welcomed and important to the continued expansion of our exhibits and other offerings.

    Membership

    		 Become a member.
    Help support the efforts of the society. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, the "Museum Record," containing bit's of local history, information on the museum and upcoming special events.

    Newsletter
    Stay Tuned In.
    Learn interesting bits of history, and what's happening at the museum by joining our online newsletter. -- [Newsletter Subscribe/Archives]

    Information

    		Contact Us.
    For further information call 989-893-5733 or visit our website [www.bchsmuseum.org]



    Historical
    Dates

    1776 -
    United States of America declares independence from Britain.

    1832 -
    Leon Tromble' builds log-cabin along river near 4th st. and established first permanent white settlement.

    1837 -
    Michigan becomes 26th state. Saginaw County organized (includes territory of present Bay County).

    1838 -
    First framed structure is built by Joseph & Medor Tromble'.

    1857 -
    Bay County organized from portions of Midland and Saginaw counties and all of Arenac.

    The
    Society

    Bay County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting Bay County's unique heritage.

    Affiliate member organizations:

    Bay Heritage Quilters Guild

    Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery

    Olde Thyme Herb Society

    Resources

    {View} 1937 newspaper article on early history of society.




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