Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the Thumb Octagon Barn hosted the annual Teamwork and Timbers Project. The day began with an introduction to old time timber framing given by Rose Putnam. Paul Deo then taught about the tools to build barns years ago and what types of soft and hard wood were used. Then the real fun began with gathering the kit provided by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network. Four teams were formed that were led by team leaders Paul Deo, Barry Kreiner, Jared Sorenson and new team leader, Owen Stine. It takes TEAMWORK to make this happen. It is amazing to watch the process come together. YEA! WE DID IT! Bentley Dilsaver was chosen to cut and mount the spruce branch that thanks the god of the woods for giving up a tree to make the barn, which is an old custom once a barn was completed. More fun was had following lunch. The group learned about the work of building the wooden bridge on site and then had a blast going through the corn maze. The barn is on display at the Thumb Octagon Barn now through Fall Family Days. We hope to stop by to see this exhibit. Thank you to all the boys, the one girl and volunteers who worked on this project.

08/23/2026

There are a few more openings for boys or girls to join in the fun and experience of building a timber framed barn at our Teamwork and Timbers project this coming Saturday, August 29th. Please see the flyer below for more information. We are all getting so excited to host this special event. The finished barn will be on display during our Fall Family Days.

08/14/2026

NOTE NEW GATE PRICES

08/13/2026

Tea Party at The Purdy Home. Our theme is CORN this year, so everyone made a cornshuck Doll.

08/11/2026

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting the Thumb Traveling America250 exhibit at the Thumb Octagon Barn on Thursday, August 13th and Friday, August 14th from 11AM-5PM. Please stop by to experience the early history of Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola County. Thank you, Sanilac County Historical Society, for producing this great exhibit.

08/06/2026

Fall Family Days is just around the corner. Share this information with your family and friends and hope to see you all at either the Fish Fry on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 4-7PM or on Saturday or Sunday, September 12th & 13th from 8AM-5PM. Don't forget to stop by the new corn maze and see the new General Store.

08/04/2026

Our annual Teamwork and Timbers Project is fast approaching. We still have openings for boys and girls to join this fun, educational project. The contact information is below! The completed timber framed barn will be on display during Fall Family Days for other family and friends to visit.