Sanford Centennial Museum

09/01/2026

Santa’s Elf Earns a Sparkling New Title: Bean Soup Boss!

In a twist worthy of a holiday tale, beloved Santa Express Elf Andy Barrera is trading in his jingling bells for a mighty ladle as he steps up to command the legendary SHS Bean Soup Pot at the 2026 Founders Day Celebration.

Andy—known for spreading cheer aboard the Santa Express and for having an uncanny ability to make children believe in magic—will now bring that same joyful energy to one of Founders Day’s most treasured traditions: the famous bean soup that warms hearts, bellies, and hometown pride.

But fear not, soup enthusiasts. Andy won’t be stirring alone. He’ll be guided by the wise and watchful eye of retiring Grand Beanmaster Woody Raymond, who has tended the pot for many years with the seriousness of a wizard guarding an enchanted cauldron. Woody’s legacy of perfectly seasoned, soul soothing bean soup will live on as he passes the ladle to Andy—along with a few secret tips whispered only to those deemed worthy.

With Woody’s mentorship and Andy’s elf powered enthusiasm, the Bean Soup Pot is in magical hands. Expect tradition, expect flavor, and expect just a little bit of mischief from the newly crowned Bean Soup Boss.

08/31/2026

Lucky Ducky Returns to Founders Day 2026

What started as a simple sketch on a napkin has quickly become one of Founders Day’s most beloved new traditions. Last year, Dave Haskin—working alongside his daughter Amanda—refined the game’s mechanics and then teamed up with Jim Weishuhn, who contributed his graphic design expertise. Jim devoted many hours to creating the artwork and generously donated the materials that brought the Lucky Ducky game to life.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., every child aged 12 and under will receive a free yellow ticket when accompanied by a parent making a purchase. Every child wins a prize, and tickets are available on a first come, first served basis until all prizes have been claimed.

Founders Day, held on Saturday, September 12, offers a full lineup of kid friendly fun. Children can enjoy the Treasure Dig, Bean Bag Toss, free temporary tattoos and face painting, two supervised bounce houses, and the chance to build something amazing at Home Depot’s Free Kids Workshop.

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, children 14 and under can enjoy FREE Hot Dogs, Lemonade, and Cotton Candy—while supplies last.

Founders Day is a celebration of community, creativity, and family fun. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable year.

08/30/2026

Spotlight on a Hometown Hall of Famer: Mike Thornton

The Sanford Historical Society is proud to celebrate one of our own this Founders Day as Mike Thornton of Sanford, MI takes the main stage from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Mike’s musical journey reached an extraordinary milestone this summer when he was inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame on August 15, 2026, during a ceremony held in Charlotte, Michigan. Surrounded by his family, Mike accepted the honor that recognizes a lifetime of dedication to music, performance, and community.

A Lifetime at the Keyboard

Mike has been playing music for most of his life, and his story begins with a moment many musicians never forget—his first public performance at age 14, playing at a New Year’s Eve party. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion, carrying him across Michigan and beyond.

Over the decades, Mike has performed with an impressive lineup of bands, each adding a new chapter to his musical legacy. His credits include:

• Mike Thornton Trio
• Solid Gold with Keith Purdy — touring Michigan and Florida for an incredible 42 years
• Ramblin Rose with Jerry Ward
• Heartland with Phil Vorce
• Silverado Band with Bud Jones
• Broken Arrow
• Dixie Highway

Today, Mike continues to share his talent as part of Solid Gold with Terry Barr, bringing classic favorites and timeless energy to audiences who have followed him for generations.

Taking the Stage at Founders Day 2026

We are honored to welcome Mike back to the Sanford Museum grounds as our featured musical performer for Founders Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026. His Hall of Fame recognition makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful, and his performance promises to be a highlight of the day.

From 1 to 4 PM, visitors can enjoy Mike’s signature blend of country, classic hits, and crowd pleasing favorites—music that reflects not only his talent, but the heart of the Sanford community.
Join us as we celebrate Mike’s remarkable achievement and enjoy an afternoon of live music from a true hometown legend.

08/27/2026

Military Display Returns for Founders Day 2026

Founders Day visitors will once again have the opportunity to explore one of the event’s most popular attractions: the Military Display presented by Coleman resident Ron Tigner. A longtime supporter of the Sanford Centennial Museum, Ron is returning with his remarkable collection of U.S. Army artifacts—an exhibit that blends hands on history with heartfelt appreciation for those who served.

The centerpiece of his display is the impressive 1952 Dodge M 37 4×4 military truck, a rugged workhorse used by American forces during the Korean War era. Fully restored and meticulously cared for, the vehicle offers guests a rare chance to see up close the type of equipment that supported soldiers in the field more than seventy years ago. Alongside the M 37, Ron will showcase an assortment of military gear, tools, uniforms, and personal items that help tell the story of everyday life for service members.

This free community event takes place on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the grounds of the Sanford Centennial Museum. Ron’s display will be open throughout the day, giving visitors of all ages the chance to learn, ask questions, and experience a piece of American military history.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a veteran, or simply curious about the past, Ron Tigner’s Military Display is a must see feature of Founders Day 2026. It’s another way our community honors service, preserves heritage, and celebrates the stories that shaped our nation.

08/25/2026

Festival of Flags 1976
By Rick E. Goodwin
March 21, 2026

The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday of independence in 2026, its Semiquincentennial, which is the anniversary of our country’s independence dating to 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

A birthday we don’t want to forget to celebrate locally in 2026 is the birth of the flag collection at the Sanford Historical Society which were created in 1976 in conjunction with the Bicentennial (200th) birthday celebration of the United States.

The greater local area schools, which included the students living in Averill, Edenville, Hope, and Sanford, designed and made the flags that today reside in the collection of the Sanford Historical Society. Those flags come out of the collection each year at Founders Day and are pulled by a tractor in the parade on a float built specifically to haul the flags.

A “Festival of Flags” event was held on the Meridian Athletic Field on May 21, 1976. The Sanford Express newspaper of May 27, 1976, told the story of that Festival of Flags. “Weeks and months of hard work were finally justified last Friday night at the Meridian Athletic Field. The much-heralded Festival of Flags was held under clear skies to the evident satisfaction of the large crowd on hand. If it had only been a little warmer, a larger crowd may have been on hand, said Don Marquardt, program coordinator. The brainchild of Marquardt and Bill Argyle, the program had been in the making since September of last year. Bill (Argyle) was primarily responsible for financing the program and securing the fireworks, said Marquardt, but special thanks should go to many others who helped make the show possible. Among those mentioned by Marquardt were Wayne King at the high school, Leonard Grams and Bruce Knight at the elementary schools, and Stan Berriman at the junior high school. Mrs. Lee, who handled the choir, and Mr. Nigg with the band, were also singled out for praise, as was Don Hoyt and the American Legion post. Many thanks to all those who made the flags, and special thanks to those persons in the community who sang with the choir, added Marquardt. Reverend Peck also did a fine job as narrator, he concluded.”

The flag collection, which can be seen today on display at the Sanford Historical Society, entails about 120 flags which were made by local area students. Linda Allen, Donna Goodwin and Bernie Herkner fine-tuned the flags conditions and inventoried the collection in the mid 2010’s, but the flags continue to hold up quite well and make their appearance in the Founders Day parade each year for the community to enjoy.

So, next time you see the flags, whether in person at the museum or at the Founders Day parade this year, remember that the flags are celebrating their 50th birthday in 2026. Thanks to all those students and teachers and community volunteers in 1976 that made the flags a reality that still shines in the local community some 50 years later. If you have never seen the flags this year is the year to make it a point to do just that.

A special thank you to Linda Allen for sharing the May 27, 1976, edition of the Sanford Express for this story.

08/19/2026

Become a Founders Day Vendor!

We'd love to have you join us for Founders Day at the Sanford Museum — a beloved community celebration honoring our town's founding history and part of the national America 250 commemoration!

Event Details
• 📅 Date: Saturday, September 12
• 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Sanford Museum, Sanford, MI

Vendor Space Information
• 10×10 outdoor setup area
• Bring your own tables/chairs/tent
• Sell items and/or promote your business
• Minimum donation: $35 per space
• High foot-traffic, family-friendly community event
• Your donation directly supports the Sanford Museum and local history

How to Register
• Contact us using the information below to reserve your space
• Receive your space assignment and vendor details
• Pay your $35 minimum donation on the day of the event

Space is limited — secure your spot today and be part of Founders Day history!

We hope to see you there!

📞 Phone: 989-430-1337 📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.sanfordhist.org

08/18/2026

Sitting in an old train car, asked if anyone was there with me. The K2 spiked hard. Then it went completely silent right after.

Huge thanks to the team at Sanford Historical Museum for the tour and for trusting me to investigate. This place has an incredible amount of history packed into every building, and I'm grateful they let me spend time there. Full investigation drops soon!

Sanford Centennial Museum

08/16/2026

08/16/2026

A Fresh Look for a Well Loved Landmark

Visitors to the Sanford Centennial Museum will notice a bright new splash of color this season: the museum’s gazebo has been freshly repainted, thanks to the hard work of Sanford Historical Society volunteers Theron Anderson, Kendra Anderson, and Chuck Dinsmore. Their efforts have given new life to one of the museum grounds’ most charming and frequently used features.

The gazebo has long been a centerpiece of activity at the museum. It serves as a gathering spot during summer programs, a shaded rest area for families exploring the grounds, and even a picturesque venue for outdoor weddings. Its renewed appearance ensures it will continue welcoming guests for years to come.

Visit the Gazebo During Founders Day

The timing of the makeover couldn’t be better. On Saturday, September 12, during the annual Founders Day Celebration, the gazebo will once again take center stage. Guests are invited to stop by and visit Theron Anderson, who will be set up inside to help visitors become members of the Sanford Historical Society. Memberships remain an affordable way to support the museum’s mission—$10 for individuals or $15 for families.

In addition to memberships, Theron will be offering a variety of fundraising items. Visitors can purchase any of the three commemorative T shirts available this year:
• the Founders Day 2026 shirt,
• the Sesquicentennial shirt, and
• the new Museum shirt.
These shirts not only help fund museum projects but also celebrate Sanford’s heritage with designs that honor local history.

Theron will also have a selection of small gifts and souvenirs perfect for families, including wooden train whistles, books, magnets, and more—all supporting the museum’s ongoing preservation work.

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

The gazebo’s fresh coat of paint is more than a maintenance update; it’s a reminder of the dedication and pride shared by the volunteers who keep the Sanford Centennial Museum thriving. Their work ensures that Founders Day—and every day at the museum—remains a welcoming, memorable experience for the community.

If you’re attending Founders Day, make the gazebo one of your first stops. It’s a perfect place to join the Historical Society, pick up a keepsake, and celebrate the people who help preserve Sanford’s story. Photos by Kendra Anderson

08/12/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the Whole Family to Founders Day!
Make lasting memories together at the Sanford Historical Society’s Founders Day Celebration on Saturday, September 12th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a full day of together-time, hands-on fun, and sweet small-town magic.

🥞 Start with Breakfast and Smiles
Gather the crew for a SHS Pancake Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Plenty to fuel the day’s adventures!

🏰 Fun for Kids All Day Long
From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., kids can bounce away in two supervised bounce houses and build something awesome at Home Depot’s Free Kids Workshop. It’s all free and just for them!

🐐 Hands-On History
Kids and parents alike can explore spinning, blacksmithing, trains, 50/50 raffle, and more—including free branded wood plaques from artisan Jeff Bowen (while supplies last). It’s a tactile connection to Sanford’s past.

🏆 Games, Digs, & Ducky Adventures
At 11:00 a.m., the Children’s Treasure Dig and Bean Bag Toss kick off, sure to spark competitive giggles. Back again this year: the Lucky Ducky Game for kids 12 and under—adorably fun and sure to quack everyone up!

🎉 Parade Time—Let the Laughter Roll!
Wave your flags and line the streets for the Founders Day Parade at 12:00 noon, themed “Return of the Lake!” Expect colorful floats, marching bands, and lots of smiles.

🌭 Lunch for Every Appetite
Back at the museum grounds, enjoy favorites like: Pulled Pork BBQ, Famous Bean Soup, Sloppy Joes, Hot Dog Kids’ Meals, and Ice Cream. As a special treat in celebration of America’s 250 birthday, there will be FREE Hot Dogs, Lemonade, and Cotton Candy for the kids 14 and under while supplies last! Yum for all ages!

🎶 Music, Marching, Singing and Movement
Feel the rhythm with the Meridian High School Marching Band at 1:00 p.m., from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. join in at the Gospel Sing presented by the Lighthouse Body of Christ Church in the Bailey Chapel. Or groove to “Solid Gold’s” live music featuring Mike Thornton from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the main stage. Don’t forget to hop on the Barrel Train Ride at 1:00—a hit with the little ones!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Reenactments of Early Sanford Settlers
At 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. tours featuring reenactments of early Sanford Settlers, Civil War Soldiers, and Others, will take place at the Jerome Township Cemetery.

🦆 The Dam Duck Race—A Feathered Finish!
Cheer on your favorite duck at 3:00 p.m. as they paddle toward victory! The winning duck will be announced at the Museum Music Stage.

💖 Celebrate, Connect, and Cherish
This isn’t just an event—it’s a chance to laugh, learn, and reconnect as a family. Share stories, discover something new, and build memories that kids will talk about all year.

🔗 Details at sanfordhist.org