The Pentwater Historical Society Museum opened its doors officially on May 31, 2014. Previously the First Baptist church, the museum is already considered a town jewel, not just for its destination aspects, but because of the many exhibits in the Museum. They showcase the memories and events of many of Pentwater's current residents, and the people who grew up in Pentwater. Many of the items were donated by families in the area. Museums typically showcase artifacts that are hundreds or thousands of years old, and while those items are interesting and amazing, they don't directly connect with many of the visitor's memories. The great thing about the Pentwater Historical Society Museum is that it showcases items that residents can connect to...old yearbooks, postcards and photographs from the late 19th and early 20th century, and artifacts from many decades ago, but not so long that people won't recognize or have a connection to those items.

What's at the Pentwater Museum?

Visitors of Pentwater will definitely get a taste of history of the quaint village town at the History Museum. The floor of the museum is laid out into different themes, designed by Pentwater Historical Society director Dick Warner. The themes presented are filled with items that are sure to be meaningful to both locals and visitors. The basic themes of the exhibit are based on the school system, military history, the history of lumber and water in the area, drugstores and medical history, shipping, the local Native American heritage, and the Charles Mears State Park. Once at the museum, one will be charmed by the layout, with different showcases, displays, the newly restored floors and wood, and high vaulted ceilings. The museum doesn't have much wall space due to the large amount of windows, so there are several old signs hung from the ceiling and above the windows.

The Renovation Process

In 2011, The First Baptist Church made the decision it was time to build a new building, and negotiations were entered into with the Historical Society to purchase the old church. "The Pentwater Historical Society and First Baptist came together, and the common ground was immediately evident," says Larry Konopka, the Historical Society's legal adviser. "I call it a real estate deal made in heaven; not for money reasons, but because both parties had a common mission and goal." The Historical Society's intentions were to restore yet preserve the building's original persona. Many volunteers from all over started on the two-year renovation process. A new roof was put on, the building was rewired, an ADA bathroom was installed, and the old wood railings and other fixtures were sanded and polished until they shined. The carpets were torn up and the original floors were all sanded and restored to a gorgeous wood floor.

Pentwater Museum Hours

There is no cost to get into the History Museum, although donations can always be made. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 pm through August. It will be open Thursday through Saturday, 1-4 pm September through October. The Museum will close November through the winter months. For more information, visit www.pentwaterhistoricalmuseum.org

More History in West Michigan...

More Pentwater Information...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.