Monroe County Historical Museum
126 South Monroe Street
Monroe, Michigan 48161
Museum Phone: (734) 240 7780
Museum Fax: (734) 240 7788
HOURS: Open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday year-round. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
County Commission meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the Board's Meeting room in the courthouse, at 7:00 p.m. The County Commission will fund the Museum for 7 months into 2012 with the balance of funds carried over from 2011's PA88 monies.Come and voice your opinion about keeping the museum OPEN!
Contact your commissioner and let them know your support for the museum and our programs. Don't know us? Come in and learn about YOUR county museum! Show your interest in our mission and support our staff, programs, attendance, etc. We now have a Friends group- join now! Look for a millage in August 2012 so YOU can vote to keep the Museum open and thriving for the future!
Join our Friends organization- write a letter to the Editor, or to the Commissioners!
Located in the heart of downtown Monroe, this imposing Georgian style public building was built as a post office about 1910, on the site of General and Mrs. George A. Custer's residence. The Monroe County Historical Society, founded in 1938, opened the first museum in rooms at the Sawyer House. This building was acquired in 1972 by the La-Z-Boy Chair Foundation as the second site for the growing Historical Museum.
The museum is operated as a governmental agency by the Monroe County Historical Commission. It houses one of the largest collections of 18th and 19th century artifacts relating to Southeast Michigan. For staff list or our current Historical Commissioners, look to the Directory at left.
We Welcome You to Monroe!
ALL FACILITIES CLOSED this year: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day following (Friday), county holidays for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and most county holidays. Due to budget cuts, hours and programs may change- please call ahead before your trip to avoid disappointment.
The Museum Archives hours are by appointment only, please call Chris Kull to arrange an appointment at 734 240 7787.
Guided tours at all sites may be arranged by appointment. Groups may request Education Brochure. Call Education at 734 240 7784.
DONATIONS: If you would like to make a donation to the Monroe County Historical Museum, either of money or gift, please contact us. We now are able to accept monetary donations. Call the main Museum for details and instructions. Thank you for your consideration!
Current and Upcoming Events at our Sites:
For more scheduled events, check our Calendar page.
More on the Civil War for the Sesquicentennial! We had men in almost every unit from Michigan, at every major battle- even from other states and a couple of Confederates! We hope to deepen your knowledge and understanding of this life changing event from our national and local history in the upcoming years.
Currently on display: Civil War battlefield relics, reproduction and original uniforms and dresses, flags, unique flag eagle finials, "housewives", biographical officer information, children's clothing from the era, Paisley shawls, and a children's hands-on area for boys and girls (with parent supervision). Plus our permament exhibit including Gen. George A. Custer and Colonel Norman J. Hall, and the famous 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regimental flag.
Newest additon: a 3rd Division Civil War guidon used by Gen. George A. Custer!
Monroe County & The Civil War Flyer (pdf)
The Battlefield has been officially added to the National Park Service- as part of the Omnibus Land Management Act was signed into law by President Obama on March 30th, 2009. In 2010 the property and Visitor Center were handed over to be run by the National Park Service. Congratulations to all involved- the historians, the politicians, the government agencies, the non-profit and private organizations, and all who took an interest and took part in helping make the battlefield "saved" for future generations! The Historical Museum is no longer running this site. We believe that we have been an excellent guardian of the memory of this battlefield and it's story, and pass it on with pride to its new Superindent, Scott Bentley. The Visitor Center is currently open 7 days a week. Hours now are weekdays Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekends Saturday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the Visitor Center for more information 734 243 7136. For any more information, go to the National Park Service website. The annual Commemoration is Sat. January 21st, 2012.
Learn more about the Battle: "Invaded on all Sides" - The non-fiction book by Ralph Naveaux (our Director Emeritus) about the Battle of the River Raisin during the War of 1812. Mentions many of the original habitant French families who were here during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Were your people here? View Flyer(pdf) for more information. Books available for purchase at the main Museum. Some autographed copies also may be available.
Museum News -To add your name to get on our information mailing list- contact us with your e-mail address.
The Monroe County Cemetery Study Is Available. The County of Monroe published a listing of all the known cemeteries in Monroe county- private, public, religious and unknown. Interesting reading and a help to historians and genealogists. $30 per book, available for viewing at the main Museum. View the pdf file to find out how to order a copy. Note: the BOOKS ARE NOW IN STOCK.
WANT TO HELP BEHIND THE SCENES? WE COULD USE YOU-
The Monroe County Historical Museum offers volunteer opportunities for people who would like to serve as front desk greeters, tour guides, interpreters, at Lantern Tours, or with special project at any of our sites. Internships and older students welcome. Call 734-240-7780 for more information. You may fill out the Volunteer Application (pdf) and print the application and bring to the museum.
We need volunteers for our front desk- can you offer a day or two a month to greet visitors and handle small matters? Volunteers would not need to stay all day- what about from 10:00 a.m. to 2 or 3:00 p.m.? That would free up time for our staff to do their other duties. Please consider helping us in this way- we could use you at the front desk, either during the week or on the weekend, especially on Saturday. Call and volunteer now!
OTHER INTERNET LINKS: Monroe in History - A collection of historical photographs and Civil War letters.
Monroe Labor History Museum - Monroe newest museum, dedicated to the story of the Labor Unions, located in the previous Union Hall in downtown Monroe.
1812 Bicentennial Art Contest - offered to youth and adult artists, sponsored by the Monroe Art League and 1812 BiCentennial Steering Committee.
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