Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Introduction

The Chippewa County Historical Society, nestled at 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, United States, is a treasure trove of local history and culture. Established to preserve, promote, and share the rich heritage of Chippewa County, this non-profit organization has been serving the community and visitors since 1961.

With a telephone number of 9066357082 and a comprehensive website at cchsmi.com, the Chippewa County Historical Society offers a myriad of services and resources to educate and engage visitors of all ages.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The society maintains a museum that showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chippewa County. Exhibits range from Native American history and fur trading to the development of the region's railroads and industries.
• Educational Programs: The society offers a variety of educational programs for schools and groups, including guided tours, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities that bring history to life.
• Research Services: For those interested in delving deeper into Chippewa County's history, the society provides research services, including access to its extensive library and archives. Staff and volunteers are available to assist with genealogical inquiries and historical research projects.
• Events and Special Programs: Throughout the year, the Chippewa County Historical Society hosts a range of events, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the region's heritage and culture.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, near the waterfront and within walking distance of many local attractions, shops, and restaurants. The area is characterized by its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and picturesque views of the St. Marys River.

Visitors can reach the society by car, with on-site parking available. The site is also wheelchair-accessible, with a designated parking space and an accessible entrance. Public transportation options include the Sault Area Regional Transit (SMART) bus system, which serves the region.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Buildings: The society's premises consist of two historic buildings: the 1908-built former First National Bank Building and the 1868-built former St. Marys Church Parsonage. These architecturally significant structures have been meticulously restored and now house the society's museum, library, and offices.
• Gift Shop and Bookstore: The society operates a gift shop and bookstore, offering a curated selection of books, souvenirs, and locally made crafts related to Chippewa County's history and culture. Proceeds from sales support the society's programs and initiatives.
• Outdoor Interpretive Sites: In addition to its downtown location, the Chippewa County Historical Society manages several outdoor interpretive sites, including the historic Brimley State Park and the Soo Locks Park. These sites offer visitors the opportunity to explore the region's history and natural beauty firsthand.

Practical Information

The Chippewa County Historical Society is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to support the society's ongoing efforts. Guided tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 or more.

Visitors are encouraged to check the society's website or contact them directly for information about upcoming events, temporary exhibitions, and any changes to regular operating hours.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average opinion of 4.7/5 from 18 reviews on Google My Business, the Chippewa County Historical Society receives high praise for its engaging and informative exhibits, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly staff. Visitors particularly appreciate:

• The dedication of the volunteers and staff in preserving and sharing the region's history.
• The variety of exhibits and the depth of information provided.
• The cleanliness, accessibility, and overall presentation of the museum and grounds.
• The welcoming atmosphere and the willingness of staff to assist with research and answer questions.
• The gift shop's selection of books and items related to Chippewa County's history and culture.

One reviewer sums up the experience: "This is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the Sault Ste. Marie area. The exhibits are very well done, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area."

In conclusion, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a vital and vibrant institution that plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the region's rich heritage. With its comprehensive museum, engaging educational programs, and commitment to accessibility, the society offers something for everyone – from history enthusiasts to casual visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the area's past.

👍 Reviews of Chippewa County Historical Society

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Ruth N.

5/5

The train display is great! Especially great for train enthusiasts and kiddos!

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.

Kelli Z.

5/5

The recreated buildings in the train display allowed me to revisit my childhood in the Soo! The volunteer helped guide us where to go for more Native American history in the area. The ancestory tree posted was very informative

John P.

4/5

Small museum a lot of space has an O gauge train layout representing a past Chippewa County. The kids will love to see it and it has a few interactive buttons. Just watch that they don't try to touch with out asking first. It was a good way to explain logging, mining, & other industries of the area to the kids. While doing that a spouse can check out the rest of the museum. Stuff was friendly and helpful. Was a nice stop for a short visit. Put, a few buck in to help them out on the way out.

Tracy T.

5/5

We stopped by here after a nice lunch across the street and were so happy we did. We were met by a young man, Rowan. He may have been a teenager but he was a very informative and engaging guide! His passion for history and youthful exuberance really made for an interesting local history lesson. It’s definitely worth your time to stop in. They also have a great selection of local history books.

Carol M.

5/5

Love Bernie Arabic stories!!’ Also all of the info and pictures from the Coullards, and other contributors .and especially
your staff!. Thanks!!!

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Jim T.

5/5

Wonderful woman who was on duty the day we visited. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Great big model train set up of the area that works. Many local displays. Located in a beautiful historic building and worth stopping by.

Andrey S. (.

5/5

Chippewa County Historical Society has an amazing scaled model of the town & railroad, plus artifacts and souvenirs. Building’s under renovation, so it’ll be even better soon! A must for history buffs.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.