MCHS History

The Marshall County Historical Society collects, preserves and shares our area’s unique story, bringing residents and visitors together in remembering the past, engaging with the present and looking toward the future.

The MCHS was originally organized in 1853, but our current Museum traces its roots to 1957 when a group of citizens approached the county commissioners and council with a request for a modest grant to support a county-based museum. The request was approved, artifacts gathered and a campaign for members launched. Community involvement and support has been a vital component every step of the way! 

By 1962, the Museum was open daily with limited hours in its first location on West Garro Street in Plymouth, the county seat, but by 1969, the growing collection led to the need for a larger space. The MCHS board found the perfect new location, the historic carriage house of the former M.W. Simons mansion on West Monroe Street. A fundraising drive was launched. Once acquired, volunteers lined up to help with the renovations. The Museum’s second home opened to the public in September 1971. The Society held its first Annual dinner that year, and the new Museum property was deeded to Marshall County and its citizens.

The 1970s saw tremendous growth of the Museum and the services it offered to the community and visitors:

  • For the first time, all county newspapers were microfilmed and came under our roof for proper preservation and increased access, a process that continues today.
  • Regularly changing exhibits were featured.
  • Two county atlases and two county histories were reprinted.
  • Thousands of artifacts were added to the collection.
  • An extensive local history card file was created, and thousands of entries were added to the research index.
  • Building and grounds were improved with projects ranging from landscaping to air conditioning.

In the 1980s the MCHS focused its efforts on the publication of a comprehensive county history, completed in 1986. Valuable records were also added to the research library. Continued growth once again led to the need for a larger space.

In 1991 the Society purchased the historic Lauer Building, 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, which had been built in 1910 and had housed a men’s clothing shop and commercial offices. Some of the original office spaces, woodwork, ridged glass windows, hardwood floors, tin ceilings and skylights are still in place today. The Museum opened at this location in1993, and once again, was deeded to the county as a gift to local citizens. In _____, the two buildings to the south were acquired, allowing the addition of a community meeting room, an expanded research library, additional record storage and more exhibit space.

The MCHS welcomes thousands of residents, visitors and researchers every year. We provide youth, adult and family programming and exhibits. Our Historic Crossroads Center and Model Train Room continue as visitor favorites. The Society also published books, periodicals and print and social media content, plus provides support to local schools and other agencies.