Ortonville Community Historical Society

Ortonville Community Historical Society OCHS is all about preserving our community's history. The Old Mill Museum is open Saturdays; 10-2 and by appointment.
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Ortonville Community Historical Society is a group of concerned citizens of the Brandon and Groveland Townships; and the Village of Ortonville. This group has preserved the Grist Mill on 366 Mill Street and it now houses an extensive musuem including a military display, country store, farm implements and fire engine, household displays and a working rug loom. In addition the Mann One-Room Schoolhouse has been relocated to our property and is available for tours or reenactments.

11/06/2025

Looking for a meaningful Christmas gift? Skip the shopping stress and give an experience they’ll never forget!

At The Old Mill Museum, we offer a 3-hour blacksmithing class for just $75 — the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person who already has everything.

They’ll learn hands-on skills in a historic setting and walk away with more than just a souvenir — they’ll have a story to tell.

Give the gift of craftsmanship and memory-making this holiday season.

Buy a gift certificate at the Old Mill Museum on Saturdays 10am-2pm, or PM us here for more details.

There's one photo of a scene from inside the Old Mill there...
11/06/2025

There's one photo of a scene from inside the Old Mill there...

Cast your votes for Eyes on Ortonville now! Voting will remain open until the open house and judging on Tuesday, November 18th at 6:30pm!

11/03/2025
An opportunity.
10/29/2025

An opportunity.

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is committed to bringing our archives to life. Samantha Lawrence, Museum archivist, has created several programs for outreach and several tea, walking, and bike tour programs that use our archives to tell our community's fascinating stories.

Learn more at www.rochesterhills.org/museum

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is an MMA Museum Partner. If you are interested in being a Partner and taking advantage of benefits like this, visit https://www.michiganmuseums.org/Museum-Partner-Memberships.

10/17/2025
Congratulations to our Barn Quilt Raffle winner, Cheryl Strobel, from Art at the Mill! 🎨 Proceeds from this raffle suppo...
10/08/2025

Congratulations to our Barn Quilt Raffle winner, Cheryl Strobel, from Art at the Mill! 🎨 Proceeds from this raffle support the Old Mill Historical Society and help preserve our community’s history. A special thank-you to artist Mary Hammer for creating and generously donating this beautiful piece!

Downtown Ortonville
Olivia Colletti Art

Do you know how Halloween was celebrated in Ortonville 100 years ago? During the early 1900s Halloween celebrations foc...
10/03/2025

Do you know how Halloween was celebrated in Ortonville 100 years ago? During the early 1900s Halloween celebrations focused on courtship. The holiday was seen as a mostly feminine celebration, emphasizing activities at home, such as decorating, hosting domestic gatherings, and fostering relationships.

We’ve decorated our “At Home” vignettes to demonstrate how an early Ortonville house would look during the Halloween season. Women played parlor games like Candy Pull, Blindfolds and Saucers, and the Adam and Eve game to gain insights into the identify of their future husbands. Cabbages, nuts and turnips played a role.

The use of black cats, jack-o-lanterns, and jointed skeletons are over 100 years old. The use of crystal balls and the practice of scrying were common.

Join us in our tribute to "The Romance of Halloween" at the Old Mill every Saturday between 10am and 2pm through the month of October.

10/01/2025
09/24/2025

🗺️✨ This Saturday is going to be HUGE in Downtown Ortonville!
We’ve got not one, but TWO incredible events happening side by side:
🎨 Art at the Mill | 10am–6pm at the Old Mill Historical Museum
🐾 Furry Friends Festival | 9am–1pm on Mill and South Streets
Check out the map below 👇 to see exactly where everything is happening downtown—artists, food trucks, vendors, activities, and more!
🚐 Shuttle Service: We’ll have FREE shuttles running all day long, so parking is a breeze. (Please note: dogs are not permitted on the shuttles 🐶🚫).
📅 Mark your calendars + RSVP to both events so you don’t miss a thing.
It’s going to be a day full of art, food, music, and furry fun in Downtown Ortonville! 🎉

09/24/2025

🎨🍂 Get ready, Ortonville — Art at the Mill is THIS Saturday! 🍂🎨
Along with incredible artists, vendors, and food, we’ve got an amazing live music lineup to keep the day full of energy and community spirit:
🎶 Matthew Colletti & Bryson Miller – 2:30–3:30 PM
Expect a lively mix of country and classic rock covers—the perfect afternoon vibe while you shop and explore the art fair!
🌟 Joel Raymond – 4:00–6:00 PM
Closing out the day at the Old Mill Historical Museum, Joel brings you a mix of country, classic rock, and original songs you won’t want to miss. 🎤
📅 Saturday, September 27 | 10am–6pm
📍 Downtown Ortonville | Art at the Mill
👉 Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come enjoy a full day of art, food, and live music in Downtown Ortonville!

Address

366 Mill St. PO Box 155
Ortonville, MI
48462-7703

Opening Hours

10am - 2pm

Telephone

+12487931807

Website

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Ortonville Community Historical Society is a group of concerned citizens of the Brandon and Groveland Townships; and the Village of Ortonville. This group has preserved the Grist Mill on 366 Mill Street and it now houses an extensive musuem including a military display, country store, farm implements and fire engine, household displays and a working rug loom. In addition the Mann One-Room Schoolhouse has been relocated to our property and is available for tours or reenactments.