Exploring the Past - Let History Speak!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the office of the Washtenaw County Historical Society and The Museum on Main Street are temporarily closed to the public for the safety of visitors, members, staff and volunteers. 

But the work of the Society continues. Our mission is to educate and inspire our community to engage in the preservation and presentation of area history.

The Washtenaw County Historical Society believes that history has a powerful impact when it connects the people, events, places, stories and ideas of the past with people, events, places, stories and ideas of today.

"Women on the Warpath" B-24 Liberator - 1943   In January of 1940, the Roosevelt administration asked Ford Motor Company to manufacture components for the B-24 Liberator bomber. Charles Sorensen, Vice-President of Production for Ford traveled to San Diego to observe Consolidated Aircraft's operations. On that visit he conceived the Willow Run bomber plant that eventually manufactured 8,800 of the B-24 Liberator bombers.

Pauline Walters Memorial Award

This award grants financial support to an individual or
organization that fulfills our mission to educate and inspire our community to  engage in the preservation and presentation of Washenaw County history.

The award was established in memory and honor of Pauline who served the Society for many years in various capacities from board member to President. From the moment the Museum opened she was present every weekday. Pauline truly loved history, helping people, volunteering and the Museum on Main Street.The maximum award amount is $500. A link to apply online for toe 2021 award will be posted when the 2020 winner is announced!

19th Amendment Centennial - Online Exhibits

(L) Unidentified subject of Ann Arbor photographer Obadiah A. Kelley, David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography

(R) Daniel L. Quirk Jr. started the “Ypsilanti Players” in 1915 and played many roles during the early years of the theatre,, (Ypsilanti Historical Society)