The Benzie Area Historical Society offers books, maps, images and other items relating to the history of Benzie County and Northwest Lower Michigan. Most of these items can be purchased at our museum, or via credit card using our Online Store below. Feel free to contact the Museum with any questions or for additional assistance with an order. Thank you!
Take a trip back in time and witness the dramatic events that led up to the fateful lowering of Crystal Lake in August 1873. Using cutting edge technology, this film brings the story of Archibald Jones to life, providing new perspectives on how one man’s vision changed the course of history in Benzie County. Click […]
“The History of Trapp & Sons Celery Farm” Presented by Ned W. Edwards Video Replay Link (Click Here): https://youtu.be/1-58SDO0DM8 Many do not realize that the Trapp and Sons Celery Farm in Beulah was the largest employer in Benzie County between 1930 and 1970, producing celery, cabbages, lettuce, radishes, and onions that were marketed and available in […]
Join the South Frankfort Iron Works Virtual Tour with Jerry Heiman on our You Tube Channel – Simply click on the link below: South Frankfort Iron Works – Virtual Tour Background: Elberta was originally called South Frankfort until 1911, when it was re-named after the Elberta Peach which grew plentifully in the area. Along Elberta’s shoreline […]
Althea Kraker Petritz shares her family history and stories about her early life growing up on a cherry farm in Benzie County, Michigan. View on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFGOB0gj4AU
BENZONIA ACADEMY LECTURE SERIES Growing up on a Farm in Benzie County in the 1940’s, ‘50’s, and ‘60’s View this Zoom replay on YouTube by clicking on the following web link: https://youtu.be/0gQy4GfRPiM Our October 2021 Benzonia Academy Lecture Series lecture featured brothers Duane, Neil, and Jim Nugent will entertain us with their tales of growing […]
The Benzie Area Historical Society has started an oral history video project focused on historical local events and reminiscences. Click on the YouTube icon to see our first one, featuring Roger Griner reminiscing about the Pomona train wreck of 1929 which was witnessed by his grandfather.
Florence Wallaker Bixby Oral History – Growing up in Frankfort – Recorded February 2nd, 2020 Florence Wallaker Bixby is a life-long Frankfort resident. She attended Frankfort High School and Benzie County Normal. After teaching for near 40 years in Elberta, Florence became Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum Director and Curator of its extensive collection. She […]
We’re currently collaborating with the Benzonia Public Library and Benzie Central Schools on Remembering Benzie: An Oral History Project. The Library received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to create a teen internship program focusing on oral histories relating to veterans, families, agriculture, and artisanship. Remembering Benzie: An Oral History Project will magnify […]
