Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS) stands as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Situated at 115 Ashmun St, this esteemed institution is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the stories of the people and events that have shaped Chippewa County and the surrounding area.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: CCHS houses a variety of permanent and changing exhibits that delve into the area's history, from its Native American roots to its role in the fur trade, lumber industry, and beyond. Notable exhibits include the River of History, which traces the development of the Sault Ste. Marie area, and the Fur Trade Room, which provides insights into the region's role in this significant economic venture.
• Research Library: The society's library contains an extensive collection of resources related to Chippewa County's history, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and microfilm. Visitors are welcome to use these resources to conduct their own research, with the assistance of the knowledgeable staff.
• Education Programs: CCHS offers educational programs for students and adults alike, including guided tours, school programs, and workshops. These programs aim to engage and inspire participants, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for local history.
• Events and Activities: The historical society hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities. These events provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate their shared history.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, within walking distance of many local attractions, shops, and restaurants. The society is housed in a historic building that was originally constructed as a school in 1892, adding to its charm and character.

Visitors can reach the CCHS by car, with on-site parking available for their convenience. The building is also wheelchair-accessible, with a designated parking space, ramped entrance, and accessible restroom facilities. Public transportation is another option, with the society located near several bus stops served by the Chippewa County Transit Authority.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The historical society's building is a beautiful example of Queen Anne-style architecture, featuring intricate detailing, a prominent tower, and a wrap-around porch. The exterior of the building has been carefully preserved, providing a glimpse into the past.
• Gift Shop: The CCHS gift shop offers a variety of unique and fascinating items for sale, including books, maps, postcards, and replicas of historic artifacts. These items make excellent souvenirs or gifts for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
• On-Site Restaurant: The society's on-site restaurant, the Old School Cafe, serves up delicious meals made from locally-sourced ingredients. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing visitors with a convenient dining option during their visit.

Practical Information

• Admission: Admission to the Chippewa County Historical Society is free, although donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. The society relies on contributions from visitors to help support its ongoing operations and programs.
• Hours of Operation: The historical society is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 7:00 PM. The society is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
• 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 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews on Google My Business, the Chippewa County Historical Society has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its visitors. Some of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects include:

• Knowledgeable and friendly staff: Many reviewers praised the staff for their extensive knowledge of local history and their willingness to share that knowledge with visitors. The staff's friendly and welcoming demeanor also contributed to an enjoyable and memorable experience for many.
• Engaging exhibits and programs: Visitors consistently remarked on the quality and variety of the society's exhibits, as well as the educational and entertaining nature of its programs. The interactive and hands-on components of some exhibits were particularly appreciated by families with children.
• Charming and well-preserved building: The historic nature of the building itself was a source of fascination for many visitors, who appreciated the care and attention that had been given to its preservation and restoration.
• Convenient location and accessibility: Reviewers appreciated the society's central location and the ease with which they could access the building, even when using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

In conclusion, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a treasure trove of local history and culture, offering a wealth of educational and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. With its impressive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and charming setting, the CCHS is an essential destination for anyone interested in the rich heritage of Chippewa County and the surrounding area.

👍 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.