Welcome to the Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place
9991 Marilla Rd., Copemish MI
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9991 Marilla Rd., Copemish MI
In 1980, the Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place began in the lower level of the Marilla School that was built in 1920. The school was no longer used beginning in 1948. The upper level is now used as the Township’s government and community center. Beginning in the early 1990s, a great deal of expansion began. Over a period of 12 years, the museum grew to include a beautifully restored two story 1870s log home, a large 1900 barn, and a full-size replica hunter-trapper logger’s cabin. Each home is fully furnished and reflects early rural pioneer living. The Pioneer Barn contains many farm machines and implements, displays representing Marilla’s rich logging history, and other items relating to the communities early formative years.
(At left, our mortise and tenon barn with tourism trail quilt)
The Marilla Historical Society was formed in 1980 in order to preserve and celebrate Marilla Township’s pioneering traditions rooted in logging and agriculture. We are a volunteer-run organization and we rely on donations to operate. We invite you to join us in preserving this local history.
The organization maintains the Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place.
(At right, Nel's Trapper's Cabin)
Marilla Historical Society Governing Board
Bob Thomas, MHS President
Douglas Glick, Vice President & Clerk, 757.813.0311
(text for initial contact)
Alissa Aparicio, Treasurer, 231.383.1630
P.O. Box 234, Kaleva, MI 49645
Terry Howes, Trustee
Lynda O'Shea, Trustee
Sonny Rewerts, Trustee
Jan Thomas, Director & Trustee 231.362.3430
If you have questions about donating an artifact to the Society or about a scheduled event contact either Bob or Jan Thomas.
Emeritus Board
Mary Esther Brooks, Founder
Betty Buda-Joy, Founder
Grace Fisk, Founder
Rita Russell, Founder
Terry & Phyllis Cholette
Dixie Howes
Sonny Rewerts
Art Wilbur
The Marilla Historical Society was pleased to present this outstanding event in honor of our annual Founder's Day month. The event entitled "A Century Past" featured two presentations by author and historian Dana Johnson who has written widely on historic schools, abandoned sites, rural communities and ghost towns of West Central Michigan. Mr. Johnson reflected on the history of Marilla Township and on the "Lost and Forgotten" villages of Manistee County.
The event included old-time child-friendly activities, music from hammered dulcimer artist Katelyn Baas and scrumptious taste treats. Guests were welcome to tour all four historic buildings during open hours.
Free will donations at all our events support the ongoing efforts to keep local history alive are always welcome.
We look forward to seeing you at our 2024 events which will be posted soon.
Today | By Appointment |
Your support and contributions enable us to meet our goals and preserve local history for future generations.
Marilla Historical Society
9991 Marilla Road, Copemish, MI 49625
Copyright © 2024 Marillahistory - All Rights Reserved.
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