Benzie County’s rich history began before it formed as a county in 1869. The name Benzie is derived from the French la rivière aux Bec-scies, “the river of sawbills [ducks],” and refers to the Betsie River. Many of the county’s earliest logging operations took place along the Betsie River. Although logging played an important role in our history, our community’s character is rooted in education. Benzonia began in 1858 as an educational Christian colony and the Grand Traverse College was founded in 1863 “…to afford all people, regardless of age or sex, the opportunity to receive a liberal education.” In 1900 the college was changed to a preparatory school named Benzonia Academy. Both served as a center for cultural and recreational activities for citizens of the surrounding counties. The remaining Academy building now functions as the community library and meeting space which we use for our lecture series during summer months.