Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: Preserving and Sharing Local History in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

The Chippewa County Historical Society, nestled at 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a treasure trove of local history and a must-visit attraction for residents and tourists alike. This comprehensive article explores the main services, location, unique features, practical information, and positive aspects of the Chippewa County Historical Society, as reflected in customer reviews.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The society maintains a museum that showcases a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chippewa County's rich history.
• Educational Programs: They offer educational programs and workshops for both students and adults, making history accessible and engaging.
• Research Assistance: The society provides assistance to individuals conducting historical research, helping them navigate through their extensive archives.
• Preservation Efforts: The Chippewa County Historical Society is committed to preserving the county's historic sites and structures, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from them.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, the society hosts various events, such as lectures, workshops, and family activities, that celebrate local history and culture.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is situated in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. The building is located on the corner of Ashmun Street and E. Spruce Street, within walking distance of several local attractions, including the Soo Locks and the Museum Ship Valley Camp.

Visitors can reach the historical society by car, with on-site parking available for guests. The building is also wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated parking spot and an entrance designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

Featured Characteristics

• Archives and Research Library: The society houses an extensive collection of genealogical records, newspapers, and historical documents that are available for public use.
• Gift Shop: The on-site gift shop offers a variety of historically themed items, such as books, postcards, and souvenirs, perfect for both visitors and history enthusiasts.
• Community Room: The society has a community room that can be rented for events, meetings, and workshops, providing a space for local groups to gather and engage with the community.
• Outdoor Exhibits: In addition to its indoor exhibits, the Chippewa County Historical Society features several outdoor exhibits, including historical buildings and a historic cemetery, allowing visitors to explore local history beyond the museum's walls.

Practical Information

• Hours of Operation: The Chippewa County Historical Society is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, hours may vary depending on the season and holidays, so visitors are encouraged to check the website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
• Admission: Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome and help support the society's ongoing efforts to preserve and share local history.
• Contact Information: The Chippewa County Historical Society can be reached by phone at 906-635-7082 or via email at [email protected]. Their website (cchsmi.com) provides additional information about the society, its programs, and events.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Chippewa County Historical Society maintains an excellent reputation, with an average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, based on 18 reviews. Several positive aspects emerge from these reviews, highlighting the society's dedication to its mission and its impact on the community.

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff: Many reviewers praised the staff for their expertise, hospitality, and willingness to help, noting that their passion for local history enhanced the visitor experience.
• Engaging exhibits and programs: Several visitors commented on the engaging and well-curated exhibits, as well as the educational programs offered by the society, which cater to both adults and children.
• Comprehensive resources for research: Historians, genealogists, and researchers appreciated the extensive resources available at the Chippewa County Historical Society, including archives, libraries, and helpful staff who facilitated their research efforts.
• Community impact: Several reviewers highlighted the society's positive impact on the community, noting its efforts to preserve local history, host events, and engage residents and tourists alike in celebrating the region's past.

The Chippewa County Historical Society plays an essential role in preserving and sharing the rich history of Chippewa County and the surrounding area. With its comprehensive collection of artifacts, engaging exhibits, and dedicated staff, the society offers a valuable resource for both residents and visitors seeking to connect with the region's past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a genealogist, or simply curious about the stories that have shaped the area, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a must-visit destination that offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the community's roots.

👍 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.