Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS) is a beacon of local history and culture. This treasure trove of knowledge and artifacts is a must-visit for both residents and tourists alike. Let's delve into the rich tapestry of services, location, features, and practical information that make this historical society a gem.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: CCHS boasts an impressive array of exhibits that showcase the county's history, from its Native American roots to its industrial heyday and beyond. The exhibits are continually updated to ensure a fresh and engaging experience.
• Research Library: The society's library is a goldmine for history enthusiasts, containing thousands of books, documents, photographs, and genealogical records. The friendly staff is always on hand to assist with research queries.
• Educational Programs: CCHS offers a variety of educational programs, including school tours, workshops, and lectures. These programs aim to inspire a love for history and its relevance in today's world.
• Preservation Efforts: The historical society is dedicated to preserving Chippewa County's heritage through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of historical materials. They also work tirelessly to protect and maintain historic sites and structures.

Location and Access

The Chippewa County Historical Society is situated at 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, United States. The building is easily accessible, located in the heart of the city, close to major roads and attractions. Parking is available on-site, with designated spaces for visitors with disabilities.

Public transportation is also an option, with the Sault Area Transportation Commission (SATS) bus service stopping nearby. The museum is a short walk from the Sault Ste. Marie Visitor Center and the historic Soo Locks, making it an ideal stop on a sightseeing tour.

Featured Characteristics

• Wheelchair Accessibility: CCHS is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy its facilities. The building is wheelchair accessible, with ramp access and an elevator to the second floor. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available.
• Gift Shop: The historical society operates a gift shop that sells a variety of items, including books, souvenirs, and locally made crafts. It's a great place to pick up a unique memento or a gift for someone special.
• Restaurant: While not on-site, several dining options are nearby, catering to various tastes and budgets. The society's staff can provide recommendations upon request.
• Good for Kids: CCHS offers a kid-friendly environment with interactive exhibits and educational programs. The staff can provide activity sheets and other resources to keep young minds engaged.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. However, opening hours may vary depending on the season and special events. It's always a good idea to check the website or call ahead before visiting.
• Admission: Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome. Special events and programs may have separate admission fees.
• Contact Information: You can reach the Chippewa County Historical Society by phone at 9066357082 or via email at [email protected]. Their website, cchsmi.com, is a wealth of information about the society, its collections, and upcoming events.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.7/5 from 18 reviews on Google My Business, the Chippewa County Historical Society receives glowing praise from visitors. Several reviewers highlight the friendliness and knowledgeability of the staff, who are always eager to share their expertise and assist with research queries. The museum's extensive collection of books and artifacts is also a major draw, with many visitors commenting on the wealth of information available.

A common theme among positive reviews is the sense of local pride and community engagement fostered by the historical society. Many residents and tourists alike appreciate the efforts of CCHS in preserving and promoting the county's history, making it a vibrant and engaging place to visit.

In conclusion, the Chippewa County Historical Society is more than just a museum; it's a cherished community resource that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Whether you're a history buff, a local resident, or a tourist looking to explore the rich tapestry of Chippewa County's heritage, CCHS is a must-visit destination that promises an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

👍 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.