The museum is currently staffed for donation drop-off by appointment only, but remains closed for in-person visits.
Five decades ago, our county was in a much different, stronger economic place. The railroads and car ferries were still in operation, and workers there were under union contracts so the local quality of life for many was above average for decades. There was also a decent manufacturing base.
Our county’s financial fortunes turned substantially when the last of the railroad tracks were closed and the carferries stopped service in 1982. The dominoes began to fall, and soon many of the manufacturing plants were shuttered. The area’s main economic engine is now fueled by health care and tourism.
Our community has a strong arts and culture heritage that carries on today. Benzie counts Point Betsie Lighthouse, Oliver Center for the Arts, the Mills Community House, Cognition Science & Discovery Center, BAHM and four district libraries as community assets. Collaborations and informal partnerships between local nonprofits are common; leaders of local nonprofits realize that due to the rural nature of our county and limited resources, we are stronger by working together and supporting one another.
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The Benzie Area Historical Society connects people to the past through the vibrant story of Northwest Lower Michigan and the Benzie, Michigan region.
By collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of the Benzie area, we link the past and present with the hope of inspiring future generations.