Saugatuck-Douglas History Center

Name: Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
Address: 130 Center Street, Douglas, MI, 49406, US
Telephone: +12698575751
Price range: $

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Saugatuck-Douglas History Center

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center preserves local history and inspires learning to inform and improve our community.

The mission of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center is to preserve local history and inspire learning to inform and improve our community. SDHC operates two public facilities: the S-D History Museum at 735 Park Street in Saugatuck near Mt. Baldhead, and the Old School House and Garden at 130 Center Street in downtown Douglas. Both have hours open for the public in season. Learn more about each her

e: http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/sites/sitesindex.php

The Museum is open to the public throughout the summer and fall seasons with a new major thematic exhibit every other year. The Old School House is home to most of our popular presentations, is the home of our archive and research center, and features rotating and seasonal exhibits and a local art gallery. Due to the largely seasonal nature of our communities, our public exhibits are not generally open during the winter months. The 1866 Old School House (formerly the Douglas Union School), was purchased by the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center in 2006 and has become the nerve center of SDHC's operations. This stately landmark is the oldest multi-classroom school building in Michigan and one of the finest examples of 19th century school architecture in America. It is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The former schoolyard surrounding the building has been reshaped into the Back-In-Time Garden, where Saugatuck-Douglas citizens and visitors can benefit in a multitude of ways from the area's rich natural history and culture. It is augmented by the Francis Metallic Surfboat, centerpiece of our outdoor shipwreck exhibit in the boat barn building, open in season. The History Center Archives - A safe, climate-controlled home for the SDHC's ever-expanding collection of historically important objects, paper, memorabilia, artwork, and photographs. The archives are available to assist the public with research about Saugatuck, Douglas and vicinity historical and cultural topics. Call 269-857-7901 to reach the archive directly and schedule an appointment.

09/01/2026

Did you know that we carry products from Summerhouse Lavender Farm at our gift shop in the Museum at Mount Baldhead?
Choose from candles, lotions, sprays, goat milk soaps, and more.

Summerhouse Lavender Farm is located in Fennville, MI. Make sure to visit their farm in addition to the gift shop at Mount Baldhead! 😉

Summerhouse Lavender Farm

This week, the Mount Baldhead Museum and Gift Shop is open Wed - Sun, 11 AM - 3 PM

08/23/2026

We can't believe it’s time for our last Tuesday Talk of the season! Don't miss out on learning about Michigan’s Anishinaabe History with Myriah Williams, the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Cultural and Environmental Educator, and a Potawatomi Pokagon Band Citizen.
As the first culture established in Michigan, both historical and contemporary Anishinaabe traditions play a significant role in our state’s heritage. We will explore how local tribes utilized natural resources in their daily lives prior to European settlement. Join us to learn about the traditions of the Anishinaabe, both past and present.

This talk is on Tuesday, August 25, 11 AM - 12 PM, at the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, 130 Center Street, Douglas. Free parking is available on Center Street.

ODC Network's Outdoor Discovery Center

08/16/2026

Come hear the story of Evelyn Wright Crawford, part of the first women’s sailing team from Chicago to Mackinac. Learn about the history of sailing and women’s history, all with a Saugatuck connection! ⛵

This talk is on Tuesday, August 18, 11 AM - 12 PM, at the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, 130 Center Street, Douglas. Free parking is available on Center Street.

08/14/2026

What a night! We all had such a blast at the Backyard Bash, and we want to thank everyone who made the night a success! The Congregational United Church of Christ provided the food 🌭, the Holland Doctors of Jazz played the jams 🎷sponsored by , our great volunteers kept the drinks flowing 🥂, the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library had ice cream and activities, and the brought the honored guests 🦉🐸🐍🐢.

We hope you enjoy the pics from last night’s historic event 😉 and we can’t wait to hang out again next time!

08/13/2026

Tonight is the night! Come listen to live music performed by the Doctors of Jazz, meet and learn about animals with the Outdoor Discovery Center, and enjoy food and drink! This party is perfect for all ages, and we can't wait to see you at the Backyard Bash!

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is not required.

The party is at 130 Center Street, Douglas. Free parking is available on Center Street.

Music sponsorship courtesy of David Isljamovski Century 21 Affiliated in Douglas.

The Backyard Bash is co-sponsored by the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center and the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library.

08/10/2026

For Museum Merch Monday, we’re featuring local artist Stephanie Van De Ven of Hair of the Dog Designs!
Van De Ven, who grew up in Saugatuck, hand builds their ceramics, and is inspired by the textures, shapes, and colors that are found in nature🌿.

Come check out their artwork! These pieces range from trays, cups, vases, and more.

To see more of their work, make sure to follow them on IG:

The Mount Baldhead Museum and Gift Shop is open Wed - Sun, 11 AM - 3 PM

08/09/2026

Prepare yourself for a bone-shaking stagecoach ride down the “old plank road” in West Michigan in 1855. Marty Arnold, your guide, will show both historic and present-day photos and explain what led to a “plank road craze” in Michigan and why the Kalamazoo road was such a boon to the little villages along its 48 mile route. Travelers will learn the evolution of Michigan road building, plank road “etiquette,” how a brisk gypsum trade contributed to its demise and why elephants used the road. 🐘

This talk is on Tuesday, August 11, 11 AM - 12 PM, at the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, 130 Center Street, Douglas. Free parking is available on Center Street.

08/06/2026

The Backyard Bash is one week away! We can’t wait to hang out with you during an evening of live music, live animals, food, and drinks! 🎷🦉🥪🥂

The Backyard Bash is Thursday, August 13, from 5:30 - 8:00 PM.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Music sponsorship courtesy of David Isljamovski
Century 21 Affiliated in Douglas.

The party is at 130 Center Street, Douglas. Free parking is available on Center Street.

08/03/2026

Have you joined the 303 Club yet? Climbing to the top of Mount Baldhead is serious work!
Celebrate your achievement with some merch from our museum store. We have t-shirts, postcards, bags, stickers, magnets, and of course this delightful little shot glass. (We filled ours with water for a refresher at the top of the stairs).

The Mount Baldhead Museum is across the parking lot from the stairs, beautifully situated on the river. Come inside for some cool water, cool air, and even cooler 303 swag! The Mount Baldhead Museum and Gift Shop is open Wed - Sun, 11 AM - 3 PM.

Address

130 Center Street
Douglas, MI
49406

Telephone

+12698575751

Website

http://mySDhistory.org/

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