General, History, Historic House

The mission of the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society, a non-profit organization, is to assemble, preserve, protect, and exhibit in the Elk Rapids Area Historical Museum, collections pertaining to the history of the village, its people, and community life. Our focus is especially on Elk Rapids’ role in the 19th and 20th centuries as an important lumbering and related industries, cement, chemical and pig iron smelting center, strategically located on the convergence of Elk River and Grand Traverse Bay. As a research and educational institution, we plan to be both an active participant in the historical and cultural tourism focus of Elk Rapids and a focal point for students of all ages to participate in historical studies and activities of the Elk Rapids and Chain of Lakes Region.

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Military

The museum reflects life in the community dating back to 1894, focusing on the lumbering and the agricultural eras. Featured displays include an 1895 restored and furnished log house, period furniture, replica of a one room school house, military artifacts, Country Bank vault, and objects from the cooperage mill, which was the communities largest employer at the time.

Culture, General, History

The name Eyaawing was selected by tribal members. It translates as “Who we are” in Anishinaabemowin, the native language of the Grand Traverse Band and Michigan’s Anishinaabek. Eyaawing’s programming will be twofold, with some programs designed specifically for tribal members and other programs designed to share the culture, language and spirit of the Grand Traverse Band with the public. Eyaawing’s exhibits and programming will focus on the traditional and contemporary culture and history of the Grand Traverse Band and Michigan’s Anishinaabek. It will illustrate the story that shaped tribal members and their community today.

History, Historic House

This historical museum is housed in two houses that were once part of a hotel. The houses are joined. A third connecting house burned in the 1980s, and was reconstructed and dedicated in 2006. The exhibits typify the history of the area and include several collections. There is a main gallery, the original house, and a schoolroom with historical artifacts from Edwardsburg Public School alumni.

Art