Raising a New Roof at the Museum on Main Street
Our museum began its life in 1835 on Wall Street in Ann Arbor. Saved from demolition when the University of Michigan donated it to the Washtenaw County Historical Society, the house now stands at 500 N. Main Street on City of Ann Arbor parkland. After it rolled across the Broadway Bridge in 1990, we worked to restore and maintain the house as a museum. In recent years we replaced siding, porches and the ramp, repaired the fence, and painted both the interior and exterior.
Now, we need to replace the roof. In keeping with the historical significance of the building, we plan to install a cedar shake roof. The museum is more than a house. It is a historically significant building, and it merits a historically accurate roof.Consistent with its historic mission, we will remove the museum’s old shingles, replace some of the roof sheathing and install the fresh cedar shakes.
The total cost for this work is $55,000. The Historical Society launched a funding campaign to “raise the money to raise the roof!” and designated $15,000 of our budget toward the project. We need YOU to help fund the rest. Would you be willing to donate to our project?
The Museum being placed on its new foundation at 500 N. Main Street, June 1990. Click here to watch the move from beginning to end
Most houses built in Michigan before 1920 had wood-shingled roofs. They were often made from locally available woods like northern white cedar. After 1915, asphalt roof shingles were available and as a result, most original cedar roofs were covered with asphalt shingles after 1920.
I want to make a donation to "Raise the Roof!"
at the Museum on Main Street.
Thank you for your support and we will see you at the celebration party!
If you like gardening, we could use your help at the Museum
We are looking for volunteers to help maintain and beautify our gardens. Whether you have experience or not, your help will be greatly appreciated.Volunteers will learn from Master Gardener Lily Ferguson before working independently. Please fill out the volunteer form and check gardens. You can also email the Historical Society or call 734-662-9092.
Most early American cities and towns were located on or near a river, creek or lake for domestic and agricultural water supply as well as for navigation purposes. Before trains and highways, waterways were the most effective way to move heavy goods over long distances. They provided an accessible source of fresh water for drinking, irrigation, and industry including the operation of dams and mills of various sorts, the production of electricity, and of course - recreation. This exhibit takes visitors on a journey exploring the history of some of our County’s waterways and the industries, resources, products and communities they sustain. Exhibit hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon-4pm and weekdays by appointment. Click here to schedule your visit or call 734-662-9092. Groups and students are welcome. We are located at 500 N. Main Street, at the corners of East Kingsley, Beakes and Main Street in Ann Arbor.
"Along the Waterways of Washtenaw County" Exhibit at the Museum on Main Street
Everyone is invited to be a part of our mission:
to educate and inspire our community to engage in
the preservation and presentation of area history.
Take the Ann Arbor Bicentennial Quiz
Check back every week for 10 new questions, until we get to 200! This quiz was developed by the Ann Arbor Bicentennial History Subcommittee and other Ann Arbor Contributors.
What's Happening at The Museum on Main Street
When you come to the exhibit, check out the gorgeous garden and the recent exterior painting of the Museum. We are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon-5pm and weekdays by appointment. Call 734-662-9092 or email wchs-500@ameritech.net.
ANN ARBOR’S STORY - The First 50 Years If it takes a village to raise a child… what does it take to raise a village? Raising a village takes pioneers whose stories range from inspiring to mysterious, and heroic to heartbreaking. It takes settlers who build homes, operate farms, raise families and connect with each other to form communities. And it takes home-made items, businesses, and occupations that contribute to the quality of everyday life. In celebration of the Bicentennial, this exhibit looks at one of the most curious periods of Ann Arbor’s history: the first 50 years (1824-1874). Intriguing artifacts, objects, textiles, photos, and maps from the collection will be mixed with stories and more to show what life was like for the earliest residents.
ANN ARBOR SMART TOURS
Your smartphone can give you access to fifteen self-guided online tours, each with its own theme. Each of the 177 tour sites includes a photograph and a narrative describing its significance to Ann Arbor. You are encouraged to spend the Bicentennial year visiting each site. Print a copy of the Tours Checklist to note each of your visits.
Washtenaw County Historical Society
PO Box 3336
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Museum on Main Street
500 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-662-9092
Open Saturdays & Sundays
12 Noon - 4 pm