The Fabulous Heftones

We are very excited to have The Fabulous Heftones playing for us on February 19th. They are charming and personable and play terrific renditions of great classic songs.
The duo consists of Brian Hefferan and Lynn Hershberger Hefferan.

Brian has been known in the Lansing area for many years as a fine instrumentalist (primarily on ukulele and banjo).  Brian’s brilliant ukulele playing makes this act a real favorite at ukulele gatherings from Michigan, to Indiana, to the Pocanos of Pennsylvania and even New York City.

Lynn was a classically-trained singer “in a previous life” but has always loved the sweet, love-infused songs that were so common to generations before hers.  Lynn plays a Heftone bass, a five-stringed upright acoustic instrument played just as one might play any other upright acoustic bass. However, it might reasonably be called a bass banjo rather than a bass violin. The instrument was invented and built by Brian’s father, Larry Hefferan.

More information about the Fabulous Heftones is available at their website,
http://heftone.com/fabulous

The concert will be held in the Museum Church on February 19th and begins at 3:00pm. Admission is free for all this year, thanks to the generosity of our members. Donations are always accepted and welcomed. Refreshments are available. Please invite your friends to come along with you.

"Ourselves" play St. Pat's Party at the Museum Church

We'll be celebrating Sunday, March 11th, 2018 at 3:00 PM. And what would  St. Pats’ day be without our very own “Ourselves” performing.  With musician’s names like “Schlichting” you know it has to be Irish. They are always a fun “foot stomping” group.  You can’t help but get in a festive mood when they play.

This year the ticket price is just $10 for members or $20 for non members, which covers the music and a corned beef sandwich lunch with Beer or root-BEER, not sure it will be green, but if you miss this you will be green with envy! Tickets $10.00 adult members, $20 adult non-members, $5.00 Students

You may become a member or renew your membership at the door on the day of the event or in advance by visiting our web page.

Note as this group is popular you may want to purchase tickets in advance by calling the Museum.

Mysteries of the Historical Museum

If you missed this lecture you may listen to the audio by clicking on this link.

On Sunday, January 15th, our administrator Jeffrey Pollock will be speaking about The Mysteries of the Historic Village and Museum.  Come find out about some of the Museum’s best stories and most interesting items!  Jeff will regale guests with the small gems that make the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum the Thumb’s greatest treasure! 

The lecture begins at 3:00pm.  Admission is free, but donations are accepted and welcomed!

This lecture will be held in the Loop Mansion.  Hope to see you there, and please invite a friend.

Christmas Choral Concerts for 2016

Rails Around the Thumb

On Sunday, October 16th, Mr. T.J. Gaffney will be presenting on Rails Around the Thumb.

T.J. Gaffney was born and raised in the Port Huron, Michigan, area. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in history from Denison University, he studied at Clemson University, where he received his Master’s Degree in American transportation history. He returned to the Port Huron area in 1999 and joined the staff of the Port Huron Museum as the Curator of Collections in 2000. In 2006, he authored his first book, Port Huron, 1880–1960, based in large part on the postcard collection his father, Thomas John Gaffney, had collected for over 40 years. During this time, he also became an adjunct professor at Baker College.

In late 2006, Gaffney became the executive director of the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, a position he held until 2011. That same year, Gaffney opened up an antique and historical consulting and appraisal business known as Streamline Historic Services, and authored his second book Images of Rail: Rails Around the Thumb.

The lecture begins at the Museum Church, at 3PM. Refreshments are available.  

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Haunted Village and Spook Walk 2018

Meet the unexpected residents of our creaky old buildings.

See what's in our Halloweeny Woods.

Warm Your Cold Tootsies at The Bonfire.

Goodies at the Food Booooooooth.

Saturday, October 13th

and

Saturday, October 20th. 

Both nights 7-9 PM

Spookiness Level Geared for Families with Young Children. 

Tickets $3.00 

(Children MUST be accompanied by a Parent)

Gales of November Concert at the Museum Church

Each year the blustery November winds remind us of the toils and dangers facing our Great Lakes sailors and freighters.

Residents of the Thumb live so close to the lakes that this maritime heritage is a part of us. Many have relatives who worked the ships, or pulled in the fishing nets of a once-thriving commercial fishery. Off the coast of Sanilac County the wreck of the freighter Regina and other Great Lakes victims are preserved in the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve. We love the lakes, and more than any other time of year, November reminds us to respect the power and fury of these great bodies of water around us.

The Sanilac County Historic Museum & Village recognizes this season with a special Gales of November concert Sunday November 13, from 3 to 5 pm. Blue Water Ramblers, a veteran Michigan touring band, featuring Bear Berends, the multi-talented Banjo Jim Foerch and Grand Rapids Dutch fiddler extraordinaire Marten Van Eyk, roll out a rollicking set of their favorite watery songs and ballads. Local band Ourselves opens with a set of songs from the Great Storm of 1913 and other work, wreck and comic songs of the lakes.

All attending the concert will have the opportunity to enter a free drawing for an autographed print of the Port Sanilac light house, sketched by noted marine artist Robert McGreevy.

The event takes place in the Museum Church at the Historic Village and Museum in Port Sanilac. Admission is only $10.00 for Adults and $5.00 for students. There will be refreshments available. If you haven’t visited before, or in a while, take time before or after the concert to walk the grounds and look at the buildings that have been assembled here. Each one came from somewhere in Sanilac County, and a sign in front of each building explains that building’s history. Bringing each building here required a major investment. The larger buildings, the School, the Church and the Depot, required tens of thousands of dollars to move here. You can help support the preservation of your history by attending our events. Hope to see you at the concert.

Writer's Workshop with Judy Hudson

Everyone has a book in them! Join other potential writers at the Sanilac County Museum to explore ways to become a writer. Using the inspiring backdrop of the Museum buildings, participants will be guided through writing exercises to help put their own personal story down on paper. Retired teacher, Judy Hudson, will lead this fun writing workshop. Judy will provide information on how to begin writing, what to do with your story once it is written, and will share her experiences in writing and publishing a book.

Join us Saturday, September 24th frpm 1PM-3PM for a non-threatening, enjoyable afternoon of writing at the Museum.  To RSVP call 810-622-9946.  There is a fee of five dollars, this includes not only the program but a notebook and pens.  Coffee and water will be available

Museum Tours

Tours are available of either The Loop-Harrison Mansion or of the entire museum grounds in season.

We are regularly open for tours twice daily starting Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Wednesday through Sunday, at 12 Noon and 3PM.  Larger group may contact the office to see if a tour can be arranged outside of our regular days or hours.  Our tours start at Noon and 3PM.

All other times, or after our regular season, tours may be available by special appointment.  There are more than a dozen buildings on our grounds, but some of them are not accessible in the winter due to weather conditions. The Mansion remains open all year.

Tour Prices

Adults are $8 for the Mansion and $15 for the entire Village

12 and under are free with a paid adult.

Groups may contact the office for discounted volume pricing.
810-622-9946

Tours Start at Noon and 3PM

Singin' the Sixties Festival 2019

Singin' the 60's Festival 2019

"Folkies to Flower Power and the Birth of Pop"

Saturday, June 29th, 10am to 6pm on the grounds of the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum in Port Sanilac, Michigan.

Here's to feeling groovy!

Come celebrate the songs of the 1960’s at four performance areas:
- Groove to the group sounds at "The Happening” under the big tent.
- Drop in to the historic church for groups performing 60's music.
- Join the peace movement at the schoolhouse where"Love-Ins" are performed by artists         singing the songs of favorite 60's artists.
- Get together at the railroad depot for "Sit-Ins" where host musicians “jam” together with the   audience.

Great music, vendors, food, and a children's area. . . lots of family fun planned!

Co-Produced by the Camp Cavell Conservancy, Blue Water Folk Society and Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum with support of the Sanilac County Consortium for the Arts.

Admission is $10 adults, $5 students, 12 and under free.

Musicians bring your instruments and feel free to set up and play for the visitors anywhere you find a spot. Perhaps the front porch of the Loop-Harrison Mansion, or The Cash General Store.  

Admission is $10 for Adults, $5 Student. 12 & under free.

Get Directions Here.

For More Info Call 810-622-9946

Band Info, Site Map, Vendors List

Visit Here

Vendor Registration Form

Port Sanilac Roller Rink Revisited

This summer the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is displaying people's memories of the Port Sanilac roller rink.  The display is in the mansion's dining room.  Once situated where the Harbor office sits, the arch-roofed roller rink was the scene of much entertainment, and more than a few local couples may have met there before becoming man and wife.

Visitors are encouraged to read the "memory book" and add their own memories on the chalk boards.  You may also bring pictures of the roller rink to share with others.  All items contributed will be archived after the exhibit ends this fall.

Who knows what business used the building after the skating rink was done?  Can you figure out who had a wedding reception at this location?

Voyageurs, Settlers & Native Days

June 11- 12, 2016 Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM - Free Admission

Meet the Ste. Claire Voyageurs camping out on the grounds and see the Crafts that allowed them to explore the Great Lakes.  Genot Picor, Voyageur extra ordinar, will again provide songs and stories of the period, as he entertains the Children and Guests.  Meet the Settlers at the Banner Cabin that would have been the first permanent white residents of Sanilac.   Check out our Native Collection in the Houndtown Cabin that has been assembled with the help of Native Americans.

Buildings will be open with Docents.

Newly added to the Event this year is an optional “Dinner with the Voyageurs” On Saturday evening at 5:00 PM you can break bread with the Voyageurs and join them for Dinner.

Dinner will be served either in the Museum Church or adjacent to it depending on the weather. It will be a sit down self-serve buffet. It will consist of a typical dinner of the period:

  Domestic Fowl (chicken), Potatoes, Maize on the Cob, Fruit,

 Root Vegetables, and Maize Bread. For dessert you will have a choice of a variety of Pies and Cookies. Ice Tea, Lemonade and Coffee will be the available beverages.

The meal's cost for everyone is the Children’s price of  just $5.00 per person

Reservations call (810) 376--9681, or 810/359--7701

The Historic Village is located at 228 South Ridge Street (M25) in Port Sanilac.

www.sanilaccountymuseum.org

Volunteer Training This Saturday

Volunteer Training at the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum!

Join the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum team of volunteers!  They will be holding their 3rd annual volunteer training from 9 AM until noon Saturday, April 30th.   They will offer an introduction on all facets of volunteering including docent and tour guide opportunities, genealogy services, how to help in the archives, building and repair projects and much more. If you have ever wanted to volunteer at the Village & Museum or if you are looking for a new opportunity this is the best place to start!  RSVP to the Museum office at 810-622-9946.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Blaire & Tess De Wile Kohler in Concert

February 21, 2016, Sunday, 3:00 PM in the Museum Mansion
The Very Talented Sisters Blaire & Tess De Wile Kohler, a sensational instrumental duet.  They have both played at our Christmas open houses for the last several years and performed several previous concerts at the Museum.



Blaire has been playing the violin since age 6 and is currently working on a degree in Violin Performance at Wayne State University. She studies under Hai-Xin Wu, the associate concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She has also studied with Sonia Lee, former principal of the Toronto Symphony. In her third year at Wayne State, Blaire became the concertmaster of the Wayne State Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, she won the university's annual Concerto Competition and twice performed her solo with the orchestra. Blaire has performed around the world, most notably at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She also has performed in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In 2011, she attended the Starling-Delay Symposium on Violin Studies at Juilliard. Blaire has been teaching privately since 2012 and has performed at many weddings and events.



Tess is sixteen years old and has been playing piano since the age of 5, she began trumpet when she was 10 years old. Tess is first chair trumpet in the Royal Oak High School Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. She also performs with the jazz band and pit orchestra. Recently Tess competed in the Michigan State Band & Orchestra Solo & Ensemble Festival receiving a First Division rating for piano solo, trumpet solo and brass quintet ensemble. Tess has performed in the Wayne State University Honor's Band, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Honor's Band, Michigan All-State Honor's Band and MSBOA District IV Honor's Band. Tess enjoys soccer, skiing, sailing, and swimming.

Don’t Miss this Concert. Shortly they will be out of our league

and beyond our reach.



Admission $10 adults, $5 Students

Rene Lichtman to Speak at The Museum Church

On Sunday, April 17th, Dr. Rene Lichtman PhD, will speak to us about his experience as a hidden child in France during World War II.  After Rene's father was killed fighting against the German occupation, his mother asked friends to hide him while she hid elsewhere.  He explains that his childhood story is of a boy with two mothers.  We hope you can attend to hear all the details of how Dr. Lichtman came to the United States and to eventually live right here in Michigan.

This presentation, part of our Lecture Series, begins at
3:00 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Coffee and other refreshments will be available.

Tritone Paradox to play at The Museum Church

On Sunday, May 15th, The Sanilac Consortium for the Arts will sponsor Tritone Paradox in concert at The Museum Church. Tritone Paradox composes and performs instrumental acoustic guitar/percussion based music inspired by rock, jazz, bluegrass, country, folk, avant garde, and world music. Their compositions feature intricate arrangements and extended improvisations while retaining an earthiness uncommon to the genre of guitar-oriented instrumental music. They regularly perform around the Detroit Metro area. For mote information you may visit their Facebook page. 

The performance begins at 3:00 PM and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.  Refreshments will be available.

Sunday, February 17th at 3:00 PM in The Museum Mansion the ever-loving and popular “Black River Blue Grass Boys” (Boys?) are back after a two year world tour! (if you believe that you will believe anything)  This group of “boys” have too much fun performing, and their enthusiasm spills over into the audience.  Not only can they play, but their jokes are so corny, it is infectious.

Tickets $10, Students $5