Discover Lake County Museum’s Exciting New Exhibits and Events Schedule

The Lake County Historical Museum in Baldwin, Michigan, is getting ready to reopen with a fresh lineup of interactive exhibits. There’s a whole bunch of activities planned—antique show-and-tell, historical reenactments, and quilting projects, just to name a few.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming up this season. If you want to dig even deeper, you can check out the original article on the Big Rapids News website.

Interactive Historical Exhibits

The museum opens its doors again on May 20, unveiling several new exhibits. One of the main attractions is the Signing for Freedom exhibit, honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

This exhibit drops visitors right into the colonial era, offering a peek into the lives of those who fought for independence. You’ll get a sense of what it was like to stand up to British rule—no small feat back then.

Signing for Freedom

Curator Jill Engelman says the exhibit features the Declaration of Independence and its 56 signers. The Declaration’s big idea? All men are created equal, with the right to rise up against oppressive governments.

Visitors will hear stories about the sacrifices these signers made—some lost their homes, their fortunes, or even ended up captured by the British. To make things more hands-on, kids can dress up as colonialists, sit at an old-fashioned desk, and sign a replica of the Declaration.

This activity invites young visitors to step into history and think about the courage it took to sign that document. It’s a pretty memorable way to learn about the past, honestly.

Bathing Beauties of 1900-1990

Another exhibit, Bathing Beauties of 1900-1990, traces the evolution of swimwear over nearly a hundred years. You’ll see how styles shifted with the times, from modest to modern, all in one place.

1912 One-Room School

The museum’s also bringing back a 1912 one-room school exhibit. Visitors can check out the old desks and teaching materials, getting a real sense of how kids learned more than a century ago.

Quilting Projects and Fundraisers

Besides the historical exhibits, the museum is kicking off a community quilting project to help raise funds. Quilters of every skill level are invited to make quilt squares that represent Lake County’s history and culture.

These squares will be sewn into lap quilts, displayed all summer, and raffled off on November 11. It’s a creative way to bring folks together and celebrate local heritage.

Community Quilt Project

Engelman encourages everyone to try different techniques—appliqué, piecing, whatever suits your style. If you’re not a quilter, you can still join in by sponsoring a quilt block.

The museum will accept quilt squares until May 15. For details, call 231-898-6500 or stop by the Fabric Peddler at 815 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.

Crazy Quilts and YoYo

From June to July, the museum will feature a Crazy Quilts and YoYo exhibit. These quilts, loved during the Victorian era, are famous for their wild embroidery and fancy fabrics like velvet and silk.

Visitors can see antique, hand-cranked, and electric sewing machines. You’ll even get the chance to sew on a treadle machine, embroider a crazy quilt square, or make a YoYo. It’s hands-on and a little quirky—just how we like it.

Special Events and Concerts

The museum’s event calendar is packed. There’s something for everyone, from antique show-and-tell nights to outdoor concerts and historical talks.

Antique Show and Tell

First up is an antique show-and-tell on March 11 at 6 p.m. Bring one or two antiques to share with the group—it’s a chance to show off your treasures and hear the stories behind them.

Old-Time Home Movies

On April 22 at 6 p.m., the museum will screen old home movies from Lake County. Free popcorn’s included, and you’ll get a glimpse of the county’s past through vintage film.

Evening with Abigail Adams

July 8 brings an outdoor program called Evening with Abigail Adams, presented by Chris Costhwaite. The event takes place behind the Boat House and is part of the 250th anniversary celebration.

Don’t forget your lawn chair—nobody likes standing for a whole show.

Folk Fridays Concerts

This summer, the museum’s hosting a series of Folk Fridays concerts, all outdoors behind the Boat House. Here’s the lineup:

• Chris Vallillo: Power of Song in Democracy – July 31 at 7 p.m.
• Lee Murdock: Land of the Shining Waters – August 7 at 7 p.m.
• Rev. Robert Jones: An Evening with Lead Belly – August 14 at 7 p.m.
• B-Side Growlers: Toe-tappin American Music – August 21 at 7 p.m.

Evening with the Collectors Fundraiser

On August 8, the museum will host an Evening with the Collectors fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. The night includes appraisals and a look at private collections.

Tickets are $10, with proceeds supporting the museum’s projects and exhibits. It’s a fun way to help keep local history alive.

Seasonal and Holiday Events

Throughout the year, the museum plans to keep things lively with special seasonal and holiday events. There’s always something new popping up on the calendar.

Mysteries at the Museum

On September 9, the Mysteries at the Museum event will reveal the stories behind five mysterious artifacts from the collection. If you love a good puzzle, this one’s for you.

Ghost Towns & Graveyards

October 21 brings Ghost Towns & Graveyards with Bruce Micinski, also known as the Gravedigger. He’ll dive into the spooky history of Lake County’s abandoned towns and cemeteries—just in time for Halloween.

Children’s Old Fashioned Christmas Ornament Workshop

In conjunction with the Baldwin Christmas Celebration, the museum will host a *Children’s Old Fashioned Christmas Ornament Workshop* on December 5 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Kids can make and take home five ornaments. That’s a pretty sweet way to add some homemade flair to the tree.

The Lake County Historical Museum puts on all sorts of events and exhibits celebrating the area’s history and culture.

Maybe you’re into old stories, quilting, or just need a family outing that’s a little different—there’s honestly something for everyone here.

Want the latest details? Call the museum at 231-898-6500 or check out their Facebook page.