Tri-Cities Historical Museum

Tri-Cities Historical Museum Preserving and presenting the history of the Tri-Cities: Ferrysburg, Grand Haven and Spring Lake.

A local history museum serving Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, Michigan

Wilma Ter Haar was born in 1915!Wilma and Dexter Monro owned and managed Lakeview Court (shown here,) offering tourist...
04/30/2026

Wilma Ter Haar was born in 1915!

Wilma and Dexter Monro owned and managed Lakeview Court (shown here,) offering tourists accommodations on Pine Street in Ferrysburg. They begun in 1945 and were still in business as late as 1954. The Lakeview Motel was still advertising its rooms in 1971.

Wilma taught nursing at Grand Haven High School in 1951. In 1956 she was working as a nurse at Grand Haven Municipal Hospital. Two years later she had the same job but had moved to Fruitport. By 1970 Wilma and Dexter were retired and living in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Fun fact: The wooden figure the Monros are posing by is a part of the Museum's collection, and was on display in 2023! Did you see him while he was out and about?

Marshall Henry McCluer was born in 1859 in Ada, MI! Marshall arrived in Spring Lake with his parents, Jay and Nancy Mc...
04/28/2026

Marshall Henry McCluer was born in 1859 in Ada, MI! Marshall arrived in Spring Lake with his parents, Jay and Nancy McCluer, in 1872. Both a ship captain and an engineer, he was employed for many years by area sawmills and on local boats. For a number of years he ran the Lizzie Walsh, a small steamer he built, which sailed between Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Fruitport. The steamer ceased operation when the interurban became popular. In 1891 he built a 'horseless carriage,' (shown here.) A 1912 advertisement read 'M.H. McCluer is now to be found at Klaus Katt's shop Ferrysburg prepared to do all kinds of automobile and gasoline boat repairs and rebuilds.'

Object #: 1969.13.18

It’s our last ! If you haven’t yet decided to join the Museum as a member, why not join today as we wrap up our Annual ...
04/27/2026

It’s our last ! If you haven’t yet decided to join the Museum as a member, why not join today as we wrap up our Annual New Member Drive? You’ll find a community of Museum fans and a whole lot of the local history we all share!

Enjoy exclusive early access to exhibits, tours of behind-the-scenes archives, and discounts on Museum events when you j...
04/25/2026

Enjoy exclusive early access to exhibits, tours of behind-the-scenes archives, and discounts on Museum events when you join as a Museum member! But don't take our word for it, our members will tell you themselves! Join today for these, and other great benefits: tri-citiesmuseum.org/membership

Our volunteers love to have fun! Whether at a Museum event, community festival, or at CARC, you'll find a volunteer with...
04/23/2026

Our volunteers love to have fun! Whether at a Museum event, community festival, or at CARC, you'll find a volunteer with a smiling face, loving what they do. In 2025, we had over 30 volunteers log over 1,300 hours! Our small, but mighty group are a big part of why we can do all that we do at the Museum. Our volunteers are always ready to lend a hand, they're dedicated, hard-working, and we appreciate every single one!

The W.H. Barrett was launched in 1874. From the Grand Rapids & Grand Haven Line, the ship ran between both locations tr...
04/22/2026



The W.H. Barrett was launched in 1874. From the Grand Rapids & Grand Haven Line, the ship ran between both locations transporting passengers and cargo across the Grand River. The W.H. Barrett was built by John Muir of the Canoe Company. Unfortunately, the ship burned at the Wealthy Street Dock in 1894.

The model in the second photo can be found in the Museum's collection, and was built in 1993 by Ernest Webber.

Object #: 1973.58.34, 2015.8.408

Extra extra, hear all about it! Click the link in the comments to learn more about becoming a member of the Museum and s...
04/22/2026

Extra extra, hear all about it! Click the link in the comments to learn more about becoming a member of the Museum and supporting local history. Thanks to 92.1 WGHN for the interview!

in 1904 the Grand Haven Township Board adopted this motion: 'Motion made and supported that the clerk of the school bo...
04/21/2026

in 1904 the Grand Haven Township Board adopted this motion: 'Motion made and supported that the clerk of the school board notify the several school directors that strict attention should be paid that every child between six and fourteen years of age must attend at least six months of school every year.'

In the past the school organization was far different from what we know today. There were no free schools, no highly educated teachers, and no County Superintendents. During that period, each township had three school inspectors whose duty it was to organize districts, apportion school monies, examine teachers, grant certification, and visit schools.

Object #: 1969.48.219 showing a class at Central School in 1903.

! Become a Museum member…and begin collecting exclusive experiences, like tours of the collection and reciprocal benefi...
04/20/2026

! Become a Museum member…and begin collecting exclusive experiences, like tours of the collection and reciprocal benefits through and around the United States. Your benefits through us are honored at participating museums.

04/17/2026

Spring is here! It's time to get out and about...and if the spring rain is falling, come into the Museum to enjoy exhibits, activities, and programs! We are open Tuesday-Sunday with free admission and a fascinating look at the history of this area. While you're in, grab a bookmark that has all of our exhibits, events, and program offerings for 2026.

Where in the world is Tri-Cities Historical Museum? We're at Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance and The Chamber - Grand Haven,...
04/16/2026

Where in the world is Tri-Cities Historical Museum? We're at Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance and The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg's Community Connections event! Excited to connect with local businesses and nonprofits!

Address

200 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI
49417

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+16168420700

Website

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