Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a beacon of local history and culture. This esteemed institution, located at 115 Ashmun St, has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Chippewa County and the surrounding area since its inception. With a mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the region, the Chippewa County Historical Society offers a wealth of knowledge and insights into the past, making it an invaluable resource for both locals and visitors alike.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The historical society houses a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Chippewa County's past. These exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the area's indigenous peoples, early European settlement, the fur trade, and the development of the region's industries.
• Research Library: The society's library is a treasure trove of information for history enthusiasts and genealogists. It contains an extensive collection of books, newspapers, maps, and other resources that can help visitors delve deeper into the region's past.
• Educational Programs: The Chippewa County Historical Society offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and guided tours, designed to engage and inform visitors of all ages about the area's history.
• Preservation Efforts: The historical society plays a crucial role in preserving the region's historical sites and artifacts. Through its various preservation initiatives, the society works to maintain and protect the area's cultural heritage for future generations.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The society is situated on the west side of Ashmun Street, between Spruce and Court Streets, in the heart of the city's historic district. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with dedicated parking available on-site for visitors with mobility impairments.

Public transportation is also available in the area, with several bus routes operated by the Chippewa County Transit Authority (CATA) serving the downtown Sault Ste. Marie area. The historical society is within walking distance of several local attractions, including the Soo Locks and the Museum Ship Valley Camp, making it an ideal stop for tourists exploring the city's rich history.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The Chippewa County Historical Society is housed in a historic building that was originally constructed in 1908 as the First Congregational Church. The building's beautiful architecture and distinctive features, such as its stained-glass windows and soaring ceilings, provide a unique and memorable setting for the society's exhibits and programs.
• Gift Shop: The historical society's gift shop offers a wide selection of merchandise, including books, DVDs, and souvenirs, that showcase the region's history and culture. Visitors can find the perfect memento to commemorate their visit or a unique gift for friends and family.
• On-Site Restrooms and Restaurant: The Chippewa County Historical Society is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for all visitors. The society's facilities include wheelchair-accessible restrooms and an on-site restaurant, the River Rock Café, which serves a variety of delicious meals and snacks.

Practical Information

The Chippewa County Historical Society is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome to support the society's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the region's history. Guided tours are available by appointment, and group tours can be accommodated with advance notice.

For more information about the Chippewa County Historical Society, its exhibits, programs, and events, visitors can consult the society's website at cchsmi.com or contact the society by phone at 9066357082.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Chippewa County Historical Society has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, with an average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, based on 18 reviews. Many reviewers praised the society's knowledgeable and friendly staff, highlighting their expertise and willingness to share insights about the region's history.

Visitors also appreciated the society's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, noting the depth and breadth of the information presented. The historical society's commitment to preserving and promoting the area's cultural heritage was also recognized, with several reviewers expressing gratitude for the important work being done by the organization.

Other positive aspects mentioned in the reviews included the society's convenient location, accessible facilities, and the availability of on-site parking. Many visitors also highlighted the enjoyable experience they had while visiting the Chippewa County Historical Society, citing it as an excellent stop for both locals and tourists interested in learning more about the region's rich history.

👍 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.