Dexter Area Historical Society
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Museum
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130 The Museum is now closed for the season. We will open again in May. To contact us send an email to DexMuseum@aol.com |
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Gordon Hall
8311 Island Lake Road Dexter, MI 48130 Gordon Hall is open during special events and by appointment only. See below for construction update. |
Letter from the President:
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Dear Friends of the Dexter Area Historical Society, Gordon Hall has looked out over Dexter since 1843, when Samuel Dexter completed construction on his stately Greek Revival country home. The Dexter Area Historical Society’s (DAHS) vision is to restore the house to its original grandeur and open it to the community as a venue for exhibits and community events by 2024, the year of Dexter’s bicentennial. DAHS launched a campaign in November to raise $25,000 in support of the renovation of Gordon Hall. |
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Our wonderful news is that as of February 1 the campaign was completed, and our generous and faithful donors reached and surpassed that goal, having contributed a total of $28,782!!! We are thrilled and humbled by this wonderful show of support. Thank you all!!
Along with everyone else, we look forward to the time when we can again gather at Gordon Hall, and we hope that time will come soon. We can’t wait to show you all the projects we have completed over the last year. In the meantime, keep an eye on this space to stay updated on our opening plans, when they occur.
We always welcome your interest. Please call or email us with questions, suggestions, or feedback. If you would like to donate:
· You can donate securely online by selecting DONATE below.
· You can mail a check to DAHS at the address given below (note Gordon Hall Restoration).
· If your employer will match your gift, please enclose your matching gift form.
· To discuss a bequest, a donation via a Required Minimum Distribution, or some other form of planned giving, please contact Caryl Burke at 734-476-5232 or caryleburke@gmail.com.
· If you donated in 2020, note that the CARES Act of 2020 allows for up to $300 in tax deductions for donations to non-profits, even if you don’t itemize. Talk to your tax advisor about your eligibility for this.
DAHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is therefore tax deductible to the extent provided by law. We are run entirely by volunteers, so your full donation is applied to the restoration of Gordon Hall.
Thank you again for all your support. Very best regards,
Beverly Hill, President
Dexter Area Historical Society
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130
734-426-2519
We always welcome your interest. Please call or email us with questions, suggestions, or feedback. If you would like to donate:
· You can donate securely online by selecting DONATE below.
· You can mail a check to DAHS at the address given below (note Gordon Hall Restoration).
· If your employer will match your gift, please enclose your matching gift form.
· To discuss a bequest, a donation via a Required Minimum Distribution, or some other form of planned giving, please contact Caryl Burke at 734-476-5232 or caryleburke@gmail.com.
· If you donated in 2020, note that the CARES Act of 2020 allows for up to $300 in tax deductions for donations to non-profits, even if you don’t itemize. Talk to your tax advisor about your eligibility for this.
DAHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is therefore tax deductible to the extent provided by law. We are run entirely by volunteers, so your full donation is applied to the restoration of Gordon Hall.
Thank you again for all your support. Very best regards,
Beverly Hill, President
Dexter Area Historical Society
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130
734-426-2519
GORDON HALL UPDATE
Renovation work is continuing. In addition to our contracted work to add three bathrooms to the ground floor, create a room on the second level and replace the back porch with a replica of the original, volunteers have been busy removing carpeting and plywood in the North Parlor and hallways revealing the original floor boards from the 1840s.
Renovation work is continuing. In addition to our contracted work to add three bathrooms to the ground floor, create a room on the second level and replace the back porch with a replica of the original, volunteers have been busy removing carpeting and plywood in the North Parlor and hallways revealing the original floor boards from the 1840s.
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These pictures show some of the completed work by the contractor as well as the work done by volunteers to remove carpet and plywood in the North Parlor. It took crowbars to remove the many nails that were used to hold down the plywood! The stairway was added in 1951 by the U of M to access the two upper apartments, so we just removed the carpet from them. Our plans are to continue restoring the floor which we hope to show off on September 11th and 12th during our special 2021 Gordon Hall Days. |
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Gordon Hall Milk House
Thank you to the Ann Arbor Kiwanis for awarding us a grant to complete the steps for the milk house at Gordon Hall. When we open, besides our new improvements at Gordon Hall, you will be able to visit the milk house and go down to the basement where they stored meat and produce.
Exciting tours will await when we can have visitors.
Exciting tours will await when we can have visitors.
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Gordon Hall Construction Update
As per Governor Whitmer's executive order, construction resumed at Gordon Hall on May 7, 2020 and is nearing completion. The workers are wearing masks and gloves and are practicing social distancing.
We are excited about the renovation but we must insist that you do not visit Gordon Hall at this time. .
Thanks and stay safe everyone,
Dexter Area Historical Society
As per Governor Whitmer's executive order, construction resumed at Gordon Hall on May 7, 2020 and is nearing completion. The workers are wearing masks and gloves and are practicing social distancing.
We are excited about the renovation but we must insist that you do not visit Gordon Hall at this time. .
Thanks and stay safe everyone,
Dexter Area Historical Society
We appreciate all the help and support from the community. If you would like to donate to help renovate Gordon Hall you can use our Pay Pal button above or send a check marked “Gordon Hall Rehabilitation” to
Dexter Area Historical Society
3443 Inverness
Dexter, Michigan 48130
If you have questions, please call Caryl Burke at 734 476-5232
Thank you!!
Dexter Area Historical Society
3443 Inverness
Dexter, Michigan 48130
If you have questions, please call Caryl Burke at 734 476-5232
Thank you!!
Membership and Volunteers:
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
Dexter Historical Museum
Although the museum is closed until spring we have been busy this past year. The "Bats in the Belfry" campaign allowed us to restore the belfry AND paint the entire exterior of the building! We also held two garage sales and a Holiday Sale thanks to the Dexter Heritage Guild and gift shop. The proceeds from the sales were used to purchase two large handsome display cabinets for the main display room along with lighting for them. The downstairs hallway has been painted and the new kitchen display will be finished for our spring opening. We will be working through the winter and hope to see you next May!
Upcoming Events - Gordon Hall Days 2021
In the hopes of being able to host a safe event, free from coronavirus concerns, we have moved Gordon Hall Days to September 11 and 12, 2021. Keep tuned for more information and updates.
December 2020 Events
Christmas at the Mansion – a Family Tradition at Gordon Hall – November 29 through December 13, 2020. The front porch of Gordon Hall will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, including lighted Christmas trees, wreaths, and a sleigh. This is a favorite spot for holiday photos, and we welcome you to stop by and enjoy it. However, the house itself will be closed. We look forward to bringing our traditional events (including Santa, making gingerbread houses, and touring the Christmas Village Collection) back for the holiday season in 2021. The Dexter Area Historical Society thanks you for your continued support. There is no charge for this event, but donations are always welcome. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. If you have questions, call 734‑426‑2519
Fall Fundraiser 2020
A Harvest of Hope for Gordon Hall
A Harvest of Hope for Gordon Hall
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The DAHS Harvest of Hope for Gordon Hall fundraiser at the Fillmore of Dexter was a great success, earning over $15,000 to support the continued restoration of Gordon Hall! |
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Coley O’Brien and his Fillmore staff prepared 119 carryout dinners which were then served by costumed DAHS volunteers. Jan Lyons graciously designed a stunning Fall display to greet supporters as they arrived for their carryout dinners.
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We want to extend a very sincere thank you to our Dexter Area Historical Society members, our sponsors and to the Dexter community for their continued support of our ongoing restoration efforts at our local historical treasure, Gordon Hall!
The Bob and Jan Lyons Foundation
The Fillmore Bar & Grill
7954 Ann Arbor Street Dexter, Michigan 48130 |
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BATS IN THE BELFRY CAMPAIGN A HUGE SUCCESS!
We are so excited to announce that we raised almost $25,000 from over 100 donors to fix the church belfry and paint the outside of the Dexter Historical Museum. Thank you to all donors for your fantastic support. Donors of $50 or more received a hand-made facemask with a bat design to commemorate their involvement in this amazing campaign. Dexter history never looked better than with a fresh coat of paint! Picture caption: Bev Hill-DAHS President, Ceci Riecker-Batty Campaign Chair, and Caryl Burke-Mask Creator Extraordinaire, show off the newly painted Museum and Belfry. Look closely at the bat fabric on the masks! |
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Christmas at the mansion 2019 was a great success! Thanks to all who participated! Winter Wonderland hosted almost 100 guests on Friday evening. There were over 600 folks during the day on Saturday to visit with Santa and build gingerbread houses. On Sunday we served two capacity seatings for tea with Katherine Dexter McCormick. And we had a good crowd with good sales at the Museum bazaar. |
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Fall Dinner 2019
Our September 21st fundraising dinner sponsored by St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea was well attended by many generous supporters of Gordon Hall and we earned over $37,000 . Our sincere thank you to Nancy Graebner, CEO and the staff of the hospital as well as the generous event sponsors, donors and attendees! The Gordon Hall restoration moves forward with your wonderful support! |
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The Dexter Area Historical Society (DAHS) is a nonprofit organization in Dexter, Michigan, which supports the preservation of the history of the Dexter area. DAHS owns and operates two properties: the Dexter Area Museum and Gordon Hall.
The DAHS board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the museum.
Dexter Museum
Located in the Village of Dexter, Michigan the Dexter Area Historical Museum serves as western Washtenaw County's link with history. The museum is housed in the former St. Andrew's United Church of Christ built in 1883. In addition to numerous artifacts, the museum contains a large display area, a genealogical library, a local history library and the Corner Gift Shop. The museum is open May - November on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Dexter Heritage Guild is the fundraising group for the Musem.
Museum and Heritage Guild information
Historic Gordon Hall
Built in the 1840's Gordon Hall is owned and operated by the Dexter Area Historical Society. The society puts on events at Gordon Hall throughout the year to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the building. The venue may also be rented for weddings and other events.
Gordon Hall history and event scheduling
The DAHS board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the museum.
Dexter Museum
Located in the Village of Dexter, Michigan the Dexter Area Historical Museum serves as western Washtenaw County's link with history. The museum is housed in the former St. Andrew's United Church of Christ built in 1883. In addition to numerous artifacts, the museum contains a large display area, a genealogical library, a local history library and the Corner Gift Shop. The museum is open May - November on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Dexter Heritage Guild is the fundraising group for the Musem.
Museum and Heritage Guild information
Historic Gordon Hall
Built in the 1840's Gordon Hall is owned and operated by the Dexter Area Historical Society. The society puts on events at Gordon Hall throughout the year to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the building. The venue may also be rented for weddings and other events.
Gordon Hall history and event scheduling
Locations
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Museum HoursMay through November
Friday and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Gordon Hall is open during special events and by appointment only. |
