Muskegon Heritage Museum opening on May 10th for the 2018 season
For immediate release
Muskegon Heritage Museum opening on May 10th for the 2018 season
Museum hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
and open on the days the cruise ship is in port
Museum location: 561 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon
Admission: $5 – Adults, $2 – students (18 and under), Free – Children (5 and under).
Contact person: Anne Dake amd@muskegonheritag.org 231-730-4003
More information: www.muskegonherigage.org and Facebook
The history of the Muskegon Area’s businesses and industries is both unique and extraordinary. This story and the fascinating range of products made here is the focus of the Muskegon Heritage Museum. With about 12,000 square feet of exhibit space, on three floors, the museum is opening for the 2018 season on May 10th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will be open three days per week, Thursdays – Saturdays and on all the days the cruise ships visit.
New exhibits opening this year are:
“67 years Powering Muskegon Industries – the B. C. Cobb Plant” features a scale model of the plant handcrafted by museum volunteer Dick Didrickson, a full size top of a power pole with the insulators, fuses and transformer (they are much bigger at eye level than when seen from the ground!), a lineman in full gear, and informational signs and photos. This exhibit was made possible through a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. (photo attached as separate file))
“The B.C. Cobb Plant played an integral role in both Muskegon’s and Michigan’s economies during its 67 years of service along the shore of Muskegon Lake,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Muskegon Heritage Museum is committed to showcasing and honoring the community’s proud industrial past. The Foundation is pleased to support the addition of a handcrafted Cobb Plant scale model to the museum as well as other informative displays highlighting the important work the men and women of Consumers Energy have done for 130 years and continue to carry out today.”
“Consumers Energy, its foundation, employees and retirees last year contributed over $17 million to Michigan nonprofits. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, providing funds for education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.”
“On – the – Water” exhibit includes commercial fishing featuring Petersen’s Fisheries of Muskegon, sport fishing, KL Outdoors kayaks, Ginman, Racine, MacBay boats, 2 Blakely outboard engines and more.
“Celery Farms” – growing celery in the rich farmland areas of the Muskegon and White Rivers as well as Ryerson and Black Creeks, is a very labor-intensive process, which is detailed in the exhibit. Featured farms include Wagenmaker’s Farm of Fremont, Bishop Celery Farm of Whitehall and Weesies Bros. Farms in Montague. Photos and items used in planting, harvesting and packing are in the exhibit. (photo attached as separate file)
“Kooiman’s Store” (6th Street and Hackley Ave.) is a representation of the neighborhood markets that were on many corners throughout the city. The stores sold groceries and so much more. What was your favorite penny candy?
“Celebrating 125 years – the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce” – sponsored by a grant from the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, this exhibit is a fascinating history of the chamber’s involvement in developing Muskegon as an industrial center. Beginning with the Board of Trade in the 1890’s the Chamber has been a strong force in the development of Muskegon, past and the new development happening today.
SPECIAL SEASON EVENTS: COMMUNUTY DAYS at the HERITAGE MUSEUM
There will be 6 FREE Community Days, one per month. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation the Heritage Museum is excited to have these Community Days with free admission for all.
May 12th “67 Years Powering Muskegon Industry” – the B. C. Cobb Plant
Consumers Energy
June 15th Kooiman’s Store – The Neighborhood Corner Market
July 12th Commercial Fishing – Peterson Fisheries
August 10th Celery Farms
September 22nd Board of Trade, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
125 years!
*(This community day is co-sponsored by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber
of Commerce.)
October 13th Raggedy Ann’s 100 year Muskegon Connection with a Raggedy Ann doll show presented by the Muskegon Sand Doller’s Doll Club. There will be several original Volland Raggedy Ann Dolls that were made in Muskegon.
For more information visit the museum on Facebook or the website www.muskegonheritgage.org