Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum

Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum We connect people to the past through the vibrant story of our region. Our mission is to inspire people to explore the past!

The Benzie Area Historical Society seeks to engage, educate and entertain the public about Benzie County and many of communities that boarder it, through exhibits, museum programs and community outreach held throughout the area. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum celebrates the people, industries, and organizations that made Benzie County’s History and Heritage an important factor in No

rthwest Michigan. The BAHS Museum is housed in a 1887 built Congregational Church building in Benzonia and is listed on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. Our museum holds historical treasurers beginning with Americas “First People, Native Americans prior to the arrival of the first white settlers. Industries beginning with the timber rush, logging and sawmills, charcoal and early chemical works, iron foundry’s, maritime history including commercial shipping from various Lake Michigan ports, commercial and recreational fishing, agriculture and food processing and of course, the Ann Arbor Railroad and Car Ferry days. The Benzie Area Historical Society is a Michigan non-profit and IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization. Contact us at (231) 882-5539 or via email at [email protected].



Special Note: TOURS, GENEALOGY AND RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS available outside Museum hours. Please call 231-882-5539 or email [email protected].

Beulah Telephone. Four women on the switchboard. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.
05/29/2026

Beulah Telephone. Four women on the switchboard. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.

Join us on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm at the Mills Community House for our upcoming Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, a...
05/28/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm at the Mills Community House for our upcoming Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, as Douglas Glick presents "More Than a Marm: The Power of One Person to Leave a Lasting Legacy."

Space is still available for our first historic walking tour of the season, Chimney Corners Resort. The tour will be ta...
05/27/2026

Space is still available for our first historic walking tour of the season, Chimney Corners Resort. The tour will be taking place on Tuesday, June 2nd, from 1:00-3:00 PM. There is a cost: $25.

Space is limited, and registration is required. To register and for more information, please visit https://benziemuseum.org/2026/04/28/june-2-2026-historic-walking-tour-chimney-corners-resort/

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Benzie Area Historical Society

Aftermath of a store fire in Thompsonville. Right to left: Wightman Store, Lindy's Store, C. H. Bennett Sore, C. A. Eddy...
05/27/2026

Aftermath of a store fire in Thompsonville. Right to left: Wightman Store, Lindy's Store, C. H. Bennett Sore, C. A. Eddy Store and Julius Hale Storel. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.

YOU'RE INVITED!!Remember to join us on Saturday, June 6th, at 2 pm at the Benzie Area Historical Museum & Research Cente...
05/27/2026

YOU'RE INVITED!!

Remember to join us on Saturday, June 6th, at 2 pm at the Benzie Area Historical Museum & Research Center as we host a Dedication Ceremony for the NEW Archibald Jones Historical Research Center!

Help us celebrate this major museum milestone!

05/26/2026

New hours have started at the Benzie Area Historical Museum & Research Center:

Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, and by appointment.

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day? Formalized in 1868 by General John A. Logan, it ...
05/25/2026

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day? Formalized in 1868 by General John A. Logan, it began as a tradition of decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers.

Today, we honor those brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

East Hill. Benzonia. Looking forward to Homestead Rd. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.
05/25/2026

East Hill. Benzonia. Looking forward to Homestead Rd. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.

Good afternoon, everyone! We are monitoring the weather for our Laying of the Lilacs Ceremony tomorrow, Saturday, May 2...
05/22/2026

Good afternoon, everyone! We are monitoring the weather for our Laying of the Lilacs Ceremony tomorrow, Saturday, May 23rd, as there is a prediction for rain. Please check back here or our website to see if there is a cancellation. Thank you!

Dr. Fordyce Stone giving shots. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.
05/22/2026

Dr. Fordyce Stone giving shots. Photos sold at benziemuseum.catalogaccess.com.

Address

6941 Traverse Avenue
Benzonia, MI
49616

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

(231) 882-5539

Website

https://linktr.ee/benziehistorical

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