Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Introduction

The Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS), nestled at 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, is a beacon of historical preservation and education in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This invaluable institution is dedicated to collecting, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of Chippewa County, offering a unique glimpse into the region's past through its diverse exhibits, events, and resources.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: CCHS maintains a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits that showcase the county's history, from Native American culture and the fur trade to logging, immigration, and local industry.
• Research Library: The society boasts an extensive collection of genealogical records, photographs, maps, and other historical documents, providing a wealth of resources for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts.
• Educational Programs: CCHS offers educational programs and workshops for schools and community groups, bringing history to life through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, the society hosts a variety of events, including lectures, workshops, and fundraisers, providing opportunities for the community to engage with local history and culture.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions. The museum is situated on the corner of Ashmun Street and Spruce Street, adjacent to the historic Soo Locks Park. The building is easily accessible, with dedicated on-site parking and wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.

Visitors can reach the museum by car, bike, or on foot. Public transportation is also available via the Indian Trails bus service, which stops near the museum at the Sault Ste. Marie Transit Center. The CCHS is open year-round, with seasonal hours that vary by month. It is recommended to check the website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on hours and availability.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The museum is housed in a historic, 1913-era building that was originally constructed as a post office and later served as the county courthouse. This architecturally significant structure has been meticulously restored and maintains many of its original features, providing a unique setting for exhibits and events.
• Gift Shop: The on-site gift shop offers a variety of merchandise, including books, maps, postcards, and locally made crafts, providing a perfect opportunity to find a unique souvenir or gift.
• Café: The museum's on-site café serves a selection of coffee, tea, and light snacks, perfect for a quick break or refueling during a day of exploration.

Practical Information

Admission to the Chippewa County Historical Society is free, although donations are welcome and help support the museum's ongoing efforts in preservation, education, and community programming. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sundays, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Group tours are available by appointment.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum's website, cchsmi.com, for more information on exhibits, events, and research resources. The website also features an online gift shop, allowing patrons to browse and purchase merchandise from the comfort of their own homes.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Chippewa County Historical Society have consistently praised the museum for its engaging and informative exhibits, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The following aspects have been highlighted in numerous reviews:

• Knowledgeable Staff: Many visitors have complimented the museum's staff for their expertise and enthusiasm, citing helpful suggestions and insightful explanations of exhibits and artifacts.
• Engaging Exhibits: Patrons appreciate the museum's ability to bring history to life through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and well-curated collections.
• Comprehensive Resources: Both casual visitors and dedicated researchers have lauded the museum's extensive collection of historical documents, genealogical records, and other resources, noting the ease of access and helpful staff assistance.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Many visitors have expressed gratitude for the museum's commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and exhibits.
• Central Location: Patrons appreciate the museum's convenient downtown location, which allows for easy access and exploration of other nearby attractions.

With an average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, the Chippewa County Historical Society has clearly made a strong impression on its visitors, solidifying its status as a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

👍 Reviews of Chippewa County Historical Society

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Ruth N.

5/5

The train display is great! Especially great for train enthusiasts and kiddos!

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.

Kelli Z.

5/5

The recreated buildings in the train display allowed me to revisit my childhood in the Soo! The volunteer helped guide us where to go for more Native American history in the area. The ancestory tree posted was very informative

John P.

4/5

Small museum a lot of space has an O gauge train layout representing a past Chippewa County. The kids will love to see it and it has a few interactive buttons. Just watch that they don't try to touch with out asking first. It was a good way to explain logging, mining, & other industries of the area to the kids. While doing that a spouse can check out the rest of the museum. Stuff was friendly and helpful. Was a nice stop for a short visit. Put, a few buck in to help them out on the way out.

Tracy T.

5/5

We stopped by here after a nice lunch across the street and were so happy we did. We were met by a young man, Rowan. He may have been a teenager but he was a very informative and engaging guide! His passion for history and youthful exuberance really made for an interesting local history lesson. It’s definitely worth your time to stop in. They also have a great selection of local history books.

Carol M.

5/5

Love Bernie Arabic stories!!’ Also all of the info and pictures from the Coullards, and other contributors .and especially
your staff!. Thanks!!!

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Jim T.

5/5

Wonderful woman who was on duty the day we visited. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Great big model train set up of the area that works. Many local displays. Located in a beautiful historic building and worth stopping by.

Andrey S. (.

5/5

Chippewa County Historical Society has an amazing scaled model of the town & railroad, plus artifacts and souvenirs. Building’s under renovation, so it’ll be even better soon! A must for history buffs.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.