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.

Stop in for the Backyard Bash at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library till 8 pm tonight
06/18/2026

Stop in for the Backyard Bash at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library till 8 pm tonight

TODAY Thursday, June 18th we are excited to host WHORLED here at the Library.

There will be live music, drinks, food, games, and activities for kids. Bring a camping chair and relax on the lawn.

Th action happens from 5:30-8:00pm.
Live music performance by Whorled at 6:00pm.

This event is cosponsored by the Saugatuck Douglas History Center!

We want you at the History Center! All are invited to the History Center gardens in Downtown Douglas this Saturday for a...
06/08/2026

We want you at the History Center! All are invited to the History Center gardens in Downtown Douglas this Saturday for a volunteer fair. Lots of ways to get involved sharing amazing Lakeshore stories as part of the SDHC family of volunteers.

Come out for CommUNITY Pride events all day in Downtown Douglas and stop in at the History Center as well as the Museum ...
06/06/2026

Come out for CommUNITY Pride events all day in Downtown Douglas and stop in at the History Center as well as the Museum at Mt Baldhead Park.

History Center in Downtown Douglas open 1-3 pm today

Museum at Mt Baldhead open from 11-3 today and Sunday!

What a beautiful evening, thanks to Community Pride, MI and the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and the dozens of vol...
06/04/2026

What a beautiful evening, thanks to Community Pride, MI and the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and the dozens of volunteers who made the events such a fun and meaningful time for all!

PRIDE SOCIAL BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER!

The History Center in Douglas became a beautiful backdrop for Saugatuck-Douglas's CommUNITY PRIDE newest addition to Pride Week, the PRIDE Social.

More than 200 community members came out to enjoy some delicious food, drinks, and live music on a beautiful evening to visit with neighbors and meet some new acquaintances.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center for hosting the event, and to the Douglas United Church of Christ, the First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, Unity Church on the Lakeshore, and Out at St. Peter's for providing the delicious food and drinks. Also, thank you also to Caitlin Cusack and all the performers for providing our soundtrack for the evening. Thank you all for showing your PRIDE!

For more information about this week's Saugatuck-Douglas CommUNITY PRIDE WEEK events, please link here:
https://www.communitypridemi.org/pride-week-2026.html #/

See you at PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈🌈











06/02/2026

June is Pride Month in Michigan! 🏳️‍🌈 For generations, LGBTQ+ residents have contributed to make Michigan the great place it is today. MISHPO is committed to better recognizing the history of the state’s LGBTQ+ population and celebrating places that have historic significance to this community. But few specific places have been identified or designated in Michigan for their significance in LGBTQ+ heritage.

Michigan’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan acknowledges this as an area of need. If there’s a special place that matters to you, even if it’s not historic, we’d love to know about what makes it significant or memorable. Drop us a message via the button above, or send an email to [email protected].

You can also participate in a community LGBTQ+ history zine event, such as this one coming up soon near downtown Lansing: https://arts-council-of-greater-lan.locable.com/2026/06/20/555227/lgbtq-zine/

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! 🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍⚧️













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.

Address

130 Center Street
Douglas, MI
49406

Telephone

+12698575751

Website

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