Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled at 115 Ashmun St in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a treasure trove of local history, offering a unique blend of educational and engaging experiences for visitors. Let's delve into the details of this esteemed institution.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The society houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Chippewa County's past. From Native American history to the region's role in the fur trade and the industrial revolution, each exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich heritage.
• Research Library: The society's library contains an extensive collection of resources, including books, manuscripts, photographs, and maps, that are available for public research. This is a goldmine for historians, genealogists, and anyone curious about the county's past.
• Educational Programs: The Chippewa County Historical Society offers a variety of educational programs, including school tours, workshops, and lectures. These programs aim to bring history to life for students and adults alike.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, the society hosts special events such as historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, and cultural celebrations. These events provide a hands-on, interactive way to engage with history.

Location and Access

The society is located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, within walking distance of many local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The building itself is a historic structure, originally built as a school in 1896, adding to its overall charm and historical significance.

For those traveling by car, the society offers a wheelchair-accessible parking lot on-site. The building is also wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and an elevator to reach the second floor. Public transportation is available in the area, with the Sault Area Bus Service (SABS) stopping nearby.

Featured Characteristics

• Gift Shop: The society's gift shop offers a variety of items, including books, DVDs, and souvenirs, related to the history of Chippewa County. It's a great place to find unique gifts or mementos of your visit.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: As mentioned earlier, the society is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all visitors. In addition to the wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, there is also a wheelchair-accessible restroom on-site.
• Restroom Facilities: Speaking of restrooms, the society's facilities are clean, well-maintained, and available for public use, even if you're just visiting the gift shop or using the library.
• On-Site Services: The society offers a range of on-site services, including a research library, exhibit spaces, and a gift shop. This means you can spend hours exploring the history of Chippewa County without ever having to leave the building.

Practical Information

• Hours of Operation: The society is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's recommended to check their website or call ahead for any changes in hours, especially during holidays or special events.
• Admission: Admission to the society is free, although donations are welcome. Some special events may have an admission fee, so be sure to check their website for details.
• Contact Information:
  • Address: 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, United States
  • Phone: 9066357082
  • Website: cchsmi.com

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.7/5 from 18 reviews on Google My Business, it's clear that the Chippewa County Historical Society is well-loved by its visitors. Here are some of the positive aspects mentioned in the reviews:

• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Many reviewers comment on the helpful and friendly nature of the staff, who are always ready to share their knowledge and expertise about the history of the region.
• Variety of Exhibits: The society's diverse collection of exhibits is frequently praised, with reviewers appreciating the breadth and depth of the historical information on display.
• Great for Kids: Several reviewers mention that the society is a great place to bring children, with interactive exhibits and plenty of space for them to explore and learn.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The society's facilities are consistently praised for their cleanliness and upkeep, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors.

Whether you're a history buff, a genealogist, or simply someone who enjoys learning about the past, the Chippewa County Historical Society offers a wealth of information and experiences that are sure to enrich your understanding of this fascinating region.

👍 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.