Saugatuck-Douglas History Center

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.

Next week at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
05/27/2026

Next week at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and Saugatuck-Douglas History Center

Join us for our Community Pride Author Spotlight with special guest Wade Rouse on Wednesday, June 3!

Author Spotlight at the Library
174 Center Street, Douglas
5:30-6:30pm

Join Wade Rouse for an in-depth discussion of his latest novel. That’s What Friends Are For is a heartwarming novel inspired by The Golden Girls, featuring four older gay friends in Palm Springs. Their chosen family mirrors the sitcom’s dynamic as they navigate life’s challenges. There will be time for Q&A at the end of his presentation.

Social at the History Center
130 Center Street, Douglas
6:30-8:30pm

Immediately following the Author Spotlight, join Wade Rouse at the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center for a book signing along with delicious food and wine.

We hope to see you there.

Come 'Cruse Through History' with the SDHC and the Star of Saugatuck this Wednesday! The weather looks beautiful for a r...
05/26/2026

Come 'Cruse Through History' with the SDHC and the Star of Saugatuck this Wednesday! The weather looks beautiful for a river and lake cruise to kick off summer in Saugatuck.

This is an encore of last fall's Singapore history cruise that sold out. We have space remaining and would love to welcome you aboard; $50/per person directly supports the SDHC.

Link to tickets in the comments or visit our event page for more details.

Excited to host this reception and CommUNITY event on June 3rd!
05/19/2026

Excited to host this reception and CommUNITY event on June 3rd!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES FEATURING WADE ROUSE
& COMMUNITY PRIDE SOCIAL

OUR BIGGEST EVENING EVENT YET! ADMISSION IS FREE!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES FEATURING WADE ROUSE
- Wednesday, June 3
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Saugatuck-Douglas Public Library, 174 Center Street, Douglas
This one-of-a-kind presentation features special guest, Wade Rouse, a USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and international best-selling author and local resident, discussing his latest novel, "That’s What Friends Are For."

COMMUNITY PRIDE SOCIAL
- Wednesday, June 3
- 6:30 - 8:30 pm
- Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, 130 Center Street, Douglas
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the Author Series presentation (and just two doors down), join our CommUNITY PRIDE Social, hosted by the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. Enjoy an evening of wine, delicious food, live music and good conversation in the heart of downtown Douglas. Wade will also be available to sign books.

Our thanks to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, Douglas United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, Unity Church on the Lakeshore, and Out at St. Peters (Catholic Church) for their sponsorship.
Admission to both parts of this evening’s event is complimentary; a freewill donation for food is appreciated with beverages available for purchase.
Both events will be very popular, so please arrive early!

Saugatuck-Douglas CommUNITY PRIDE Week is in two weeks, Sunday, May 31 - Saturday, June 6. With a more than a dozen events, activities, presentations and celebrations, there's something for everyone, every day! Click here for the week's schedule and details, including the Wade Rouse Presentation and CommUNITY PRIDE Social:
https://www.communitypridemi.org/pride-week-2026.html #/

Interested in Volunteering during Pride Week? Please click here:
https://www.communitypridemi.org/volunteers.html #/

See you at PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍⚧️













We're hiring! The History Center is looking for a part-time Communications and Community Programs Coordinator to join ou...
04/30/2026

We're hiring! The History Center is looking for a part-time Communications and Community Programs Coordinator to join our team. Learn more about the position and how you can help preserve local history and inspire learning about Saugatuck-Douglas at our website.

Communications and Community Programs Coordinator Part-time non-exempt position with year-round average of 20 hours per week at $25/hour beginning spring 2026. Overview Join our dedicated and creative team of staff more...

At 7:45 pm on this day 70 years ago--April 3, 1956--a terrible tornado ravaged the Lakeshore and communities across West...
04/03/2026

At 7:45 pm on this day 70 years ago--April 3, 1956--a terrible tornado ravaged the Lakeshore and communities across West Michigan. The tornado demolished the beach house at Oval Beach, the lighthouse at the old Kalamazoo river mouth, and homes in Saugatuck. You can read local stories about the damage from the Commercial Record in the two issues after the storm.

What memories do you have about the West Michigan tornadoes of 1956?

Link to more Lakeshore history in comments

Happy Valentine's Day from the History Center!Stop in from noon to 5:00 pm this Saturday with your special someone (or t...
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from the History Center!
Stop in from noon to 5:00 pm this Saturday with your special someone (or take yourself on a date 🥰) to view some fabulous winter art and history!

Join the SDHC and the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club for tonight’s program exploring the life and legacy of Saugatuck and D...
02/10/2026

Join the SDHC and the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club for tonight’s program exploring the life and legacy of Saugatuck and Douglas artists Nat Steinberg and Cora Bliss Taylor. Doors open at 5:00 at the History Center, program starts at 6:00. Learn more about the artists that shaped the Art Coast and see some of their original artworks in a new pop-up exhibit.

Join the SDHC and the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club for tonight's program exploring the life and legacy of Saugatuck and D...
02/10/2026

Join the SDHC and the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club for tonight's program exploring the life and legacy of Saugatuck and Douglas artists Nat Steinberg and Cora Bliss Taylor. Doors open at 5:00 at the History Center, program starts at 6:00. Learn more about the artists that shaped the Art Coast and see some of their original artworks in a new pop-up exhibit.

It's a big year for anniversaries. This February is the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month. The SDHC a...
02/02/2026

It's a big year for anniversaries. This February is the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month. The SDHC also marks its 40th birthday this summer and July will see the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

Watch for upcoming announcements and check our calendar for a year-long schedule of lakeshore history and cultural events!

TUESDAY OPEN FROM 11-4!Last minute shopping? Stop by the History Center in Downtown Douglas today (Monday) from noon til...
12/22/2025

TUESDAY OPEN FROM 11-4!

Last minute shopping? Stop by the History Center in Downtown Douglas today (Monday) from noon till 5:00. We have Chain Ferry and Lighthouse ornaments while supplies last
⛴️ 💡🏠🎄🎅😍🎁

Address

130 Center Street
Douglas, MI
49406

Telephone

+12698575751

Website

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