Reimagining the Museum on Main Street
After the Museum on Main Street rolled across the Broadway Bridge in 1990, we worked to restore and maintain the house as a museum. In recent years we completely re-imagined this space for the optimum use and capacity. That meant:
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Adding a second high density storage unit to the lower level for archival collections
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Re-locating the gift shop inventory to the second floor
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Creating an exhibit creative workspace and storage in the back room on the second floor
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Moving the Curator's workspace from the back to a front room on the second floor
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Making the second floor middle room the Washtenaw County Historical Society's administrative and archival center
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Developing a local history reading and resource area on the first floor surrounded by exhibits.
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Painting the interior walls, ceilings and floors
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Replacing siding, front and back porches and the ramp
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Repairing and painting the fence
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Painting the Museum's 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 has designated $15,000 of our budget toward the project. We need YOU to help fund the rest. We know that these are uncertain times and not everyone is able to make a large contribution. Any amount is appreciated. Our goal is to raise the money this summer so the roof can be installed during the 2025 construction season. All those who donate will be invited to a celebration party on September 14, 2025.
To donate online click here. You are also welcome to mail a check made payable to the Washtenaw County Historical Society, and mail to PO Box 3336, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
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How a House, became a Home Again - From Wall Street to Main Street
The need for a permanent site was first expressed in 1874 by William Gregory of Saline. In 1930, Dr. Carl Guthe, president of the Society, stated that "the development and fostering of community memory is the function of the WHS" and "the Society is making definite plans for securing an adequate home for the county's memory." Many locations were considered over the years. The final chapter in our search began in the late 1980s when the University decided to demolish a home at 1015 Wall St. for a parking lot. When current board member Susan Wineberg heard about it, she wrote a letter to the university planner, Fred Mayer, explaining the significance of the house and asking if they would consider moving it.
The original lot on Wall Street was sold to Thomas Peatt by Anson Brown's widow and subsequently sold to Dan Kellogg and Ethan Warden. The rear section of the house was built in 1835 by Dorr, Dwight and Dan Kellogg. The front section was added in 1839 when Charles and his wife came from New York State.
The university offered the house to the city which accepted, then decided six months later that they had no use for it. At that time, Thelma Graves, a board member, suggested to the society president, Karen O'Neal, that the Society try to acquire the house from the University. Through Karen O'Neal's determination, the support of the university, the city's agreement to lease the land, the project became a reality. The 185 year old house is actually the largest artifact in our collection. It is surrounded by gardens that bloom from Spring through the Fall.
On Sunday, June 10, 1990, the Society's first home, the Museum on Main Street, rolled across the Broadway bridge and was set on cribbing, 133 years after John Geddes called for the formation of a society. This house came a long way. Click here to read more about that Wall Street Journey.
The Museum on Main Street
500 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
At the corners of N. Main, E. Kingsley & Beakes Streets
Open Saturdays and Sundays, 12 Noon-4pm. Weekdays by Appointment
734-662-9092 or email wchs-1000@ameritech.net
2025 Gardens on Main Street
Year after year, Master Gardener Lillie Ferguson turns the Museum on Main Street into a kingdom of colors, textures, shapes and scents. There is a garden bench where you can relax and enjoy what Nature bears throughout the year, Fall - Winter - Spring and Summer. Enjoy the hoto gallery below.
