Bay County Historical Society
Established 1919

321 Washington Ave. - Bay City, MI 48708
Bay County, Michigan - Organized 1857

Events
Calendar

Second Saturday Series:
Free monthly history presentation. This popular and informative lecture series focuses on a differnt history subject on the second Saturday of each month, except for holiday weekends.

Historical Museum

Exhibits & Building.
Time-period exhibits and artifacts are displayed on two floor levels of the historical building of the old Armory. Major exhibits include Bay County History, Kantzler Maritime Gallery and Selling Mrs. Consumer. In addition there is featured exhibit room rotating special historical displays every few months.

Butterfield Library.
Houses materials on Bay County's history, i.e., books, files, photos and other documents. The library is open to the public several days a week. The library is staffed with volunteer librarians to provide research assistance.

Gift Shop.
Items of historical memorabilia for purchase -- books, calendars, pictures, cards, etc.

Trombley House

Heritage Structure.
Completed about 1838, it was the first "framed" house built here, twenty years before Bay County was organized. It was relocated to Veterans Memorial Park in 1981 where it serves as a center for learning and other activities.Just south of it is the "Meyer's" log-cabin, and west of them is the "Nate and Mary Doan Santa House."
  • View {Pictorial}
  • Trolley
    Tours

    Historical Bay City.
    Weekly trolley bus tours begin at the museum and travel to the many historical districts of Bay City. Your tour guide will point out the significant sites and reveal their history.

    Tour of Homes

    Historical Mansions.
    Several home tours are held throughout the year thanks to the cooperation of their owners. Many of these unique homes were built by lumber barons of the 19th Century and industrialists from the early 20th Century.

    River
    of Time

    History Comes Alive.
    The society hosts this September weekend festival on the grounds of the Veterans Memorial Park. Time-period actors from around the country journey to the encampment in a living display of pioneer life.
  • View [River of Time Website] / {Pictorial}
  • Virtual
    Tour

    History on Display.
    The museum two floors of many large and unique displays composed of artifacts and historical information. The "walk through history" display covers the pre-settlement period, pioneer times, lumbering boom, and on through the industrial period of the 20th Century. View the link below for a peak at some of the items on exhibit, then plan a visit to see them in person.
  • View {Pictorial}
  • Volunteers

    We're grateful
    for the help provided by our volunteers. We encourage you to join them and experience the reward of contributing to your community's history.

    Donations

    We're thankful
    for the many individuals, groups and companies that have donated to help fund our special projects. Your financial support is welcomed and important to the continued expansion of our exhibits and other offerings.

    Membership

    Become a member.
    Help support the efforts of the society. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, the "Museum Record," containing bit's of local history, information on the museum and upcoming special events.

    Blog/Newsletter

    Stay Tuned In.
    Learn interesting bits of history, and what's happening at the museum by joining our online newsletter.
  • View [Blog/Newsletter Archives]
  • For further information call 989-893-5733 or visit our website [www.bchsmuseum.org]

    Historical Dates

    1776 -
    United States of America declares independence from Britain.

    1832 -
    Leon Tromble' builds log-cabin along river near 4th st. and established first permanent white settlement.

    1837 -
    Michigan becomes 26th state. Saginaw County organized (includes territory of present Bay County).

    1838 -
    First framed structure is built by Joseph & Medor Tromble'.

    1857 -
    Bay County organized from portions of Midland and Saginaw counties and all of Arenac.

    The Society

    Bay County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting Bay County's unique heritage.

    Affiliate member organizations:

    Bay Heritage Quilters Guild

    Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery

    Olde Thyme Herb Society

    Resources:

    {View} 1937 newspaper article on early history of society.