Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: A Comprehensive Guide

The Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS), nestled at 115 Ashmun St in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, is a treasure trove of local history and culture. This meticulously curated museum and tourist attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in delving into the rich heritage of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The CCHS houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chippewa County's past. Exhibits range from the region's indigenous people and the fur trade to the Soo Locks and the area's industrial history.
• Educational Programs: The society offers a variety of educational programs, including school tours, lectures, workshops, and family activities. These programs aim to engage and educate visitors of all ages about the region's history.
• Research Services: For those with a specific interest or question, the CCHS provides research services. Their knowledgeable staff can help guide you through their extensive archives to find the information you're looking for.
• Special Events: The society hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, and seasonal festivals. These events provide an immersive and interactive way to experience history.

Location and Access

The CCHS is conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, just off the main thoroughfare of Ashmun Street. The museum is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available. Alternatively, visitors can take the city's public transit system, with the nearest bus stop just a short walk away.

For those traveling by train, the Sault Ste. Marie railway station is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. Visitors arriving by boat can dock at the nearby Sault Ste. Marie Marina and reach the museum by a pleasant 20-minute walk along the waterfront.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The museum is housed in a historic building, originally constructed in 1912 as the First National Bank of Sault Ste. Marie. The building's elegant neoclassical design is a testament to the city's rich architectural history.
• Gift Shop: The CCHS has a well-stocked gift shop that offers a wide range of items, from books and maps to locally made crafts and historical replicas. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs or gifts.
• Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet, and parking available. Staff are also happy to assist visitors with any specific needs they may have.

Practical Information

The Chippewa County Historical Society is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission is free, although donations are welcome and help support the society's ongoing work.

Visitors are advised to allow at least an hour to explore the museum's exhibits, but many spend considerably longer, drawn in by the depth and variety of the displays. The museum also offers guided tours for groups by appointment.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Chippewa County Historical Society have consistently praised the museum's staff for their friendliness and expertise. Many reviews mention the helpful and knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to share their passion for local history with visitors.

The variety and quality of the museum's exhibits are also frequently highlighted in reviews. Visitors appreciate the way the exhibits tell the story of the region, from its indigenous people to its industrial past, and the way they bring history to life through interactive displays and artifacts.

The museum's accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere are also often praised. Many visitors comment on the ease of finding and accessing the museum, as well as the welcoming and inclusive environment inside.

Lastly, the museum's gift shop is frequently mentioned in reviews, with visitors appreciating the wide range of items on offer and the opportunity to take a piece of local history home with them.

Conclusion

The Chippewa County Historical Society is more than just a museum; it's a gateway to the past, a center for learning, and a hub for the community. With its comprehensive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to accessibility, the CCHS is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Whether you're a local looking to deepen your understanding of your community's heritage, a tourist seeking a unique and engaging experience, or a history enthusiast eager to explore a new museum, the Chippewa County Historical Society has something to offer you. So why not pay a visit to 115 Ashmun St today and start your journey into the 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.