Harbor Springs Area Historical Society

05/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Historic Headstone Cleaning Workshop today at Lakeview Cemetery. It was an honor to work with our community to preserve and share the stories etched into the stones at the site. And it was a gorgeous day to be outside!

If you missed this workshop but are interested in participating, please let us know. We will likely host another this Fall depending on the level of interest.

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, we are proud to present a series of historical newspaper clippings and photographs highlighting our community's tributes to fallen soldiers throughout the decades.

Initially recognized as Decoration Day, Memorial Day ceremonies were first held at the national level on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where Civil War soldiers' graves were adorned with flowers. Following World War I, the commemoration expanded to honor the lives lost in all armed conflicts.

04/30/2026

The Michigan Museums Association is seeking student session proposal for their 2026 Annual Conference! They welcome proposals for presentations on any topic within the field of museums, although preference may be given to those that fit the conference theme, "Stronger Together: Empowering the Michigan Museum Community." 📝

Participants must be enrolled in a museum studies, public history, historic preservation, or related program, and a recommendation from an instructor or advisor is required. Recent graduates (within the last 6 months) may also apply. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

📍 DEADLINE: May 8th at 5 pm.

Click the link below for more details. https://www.michiganmuseums.org/Students?utm_source=Michigan+Museums+Association+List&utm_campaign=649d05764f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025+Conf+Session+Proposals_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e17d6d22cd-423730869

04/25/2026

Curator Beth Wemigwase is one of the many volunteer judges taking part in the Historical Society of Michigan’s Michigan History Day! Seeing the work and detailed research these young scholars have put into their historical exhibits is truly inspiring - and exhibits are just one category of project presented during the event. A big thank you to everyone involved in this effort to encourage young historians.

04/02/2026

🌧️ Spring Break Staycation – One More Day! ❄️

With the weather keeping us indoors, we’ve decided to extend our Spring Break Staycation for one more day and will be open today (Thursday, April 2) from 10 am to 4 pm at the Harbor Springs History Museum.

If you’re looking for something fun, easy, and family-friendly to do today, come spend some time with us. It’s the perfect way to get out of the house, stay dry, and enjoy a little local history.

Bring the kids, bring a friend, or just stop by for a visit, we’d love to see you. And, thank you to everyone who dropped by yesterday to make crafts and visit with us!

03/26/2026

Our staff have enjoyed being part of the Historical Society of Michigan's annual Michigan History Day event for many years now - this year, they are in desperate need of volunteer judges for the state level conference on April 25.

Please take a look at the flyer below and see if this might be something you are interested in helping with. Student researchers need your support! Sign up to be a judge at the link in the flyer.

03/17/2026

Like so many across northern Michigan, HSAHS will be closed today and tomorrow (3/17 & 3/18) as we continue digging out from this historic winter storm. ❄️

We are living through a moment that will be remembered for years to come. We also know this storm has brought real hardship, and our thoughts are with everyone working to stay safe and supported.

As you’re able, help us preserve this moment as it’s happening! Your photographs, videos, and personal experiences will become part of a digital chronicle of the storm—capturing both its scale and our community’s resilience. 📷

To contribute, please email our curator at [email protected]. Please include your name and location in your email.

Please note: by emailing images or stories, you are granting permission for those materials to be preserved in our permanent collection and used for research, exhibits, and other projects.

03/05/2026

📍 Time to VOTE! You got us into the Top 10, now help us win the Red Hot Best award for Local Museum! You can vote once per day now through March 13.

The hottest competition in Northern Michigan has returned.

02/18/2026

Did you know ... one of the benefits of membership with HSAHS is free access to our partner, the Historical Society of Michigan's, History Hounds lecture series.

When registering for History Hounds, select "A member of an HSM member organization" and type "Harbor Springs Area Historical Society" into the box that appears to register free.

02/10/2026

❤️ Thank you for a wonderful Saturday! ❤️

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us last weekend for our Valentine's Tea and Talk as well as the Open House at the History Museum — and a special thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make it possible:
✨ Little Traverse Tileworks
✨ New Beginnings Resale
✨ Jordan's Teas

Your support means so much to us and helps keep Harbor Springs history alive. We truly couldn’t do this without this amazing community!