Dexter Area Historical Society
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Museum
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130 The museum is open Friday and Saturday 1-3PM. Throughout the year we welcome researchers, questions and donations. To contact us leave a message at 734 426-2519 or send an email to [email protected] |
Gordon Hall
8311 Island Lake Road Dexter, MI 48130 Gordon Hall is open during special events and by appointment only.
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Membership and Volunteers:
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
Check out our latest Newsletter - Fall 2025
Or browse the Newsletter Archive
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
Check out our latest Newsletter - Fall 2025
Or browse the Newsletter Archive
Upcoming 2025 Dexter Area Historical Society Holiday Events - see below for details
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December 5 - Timeless Toys and Traditions December 6 - Christmas at the Mansion December 6 - Dexter Heritage Guild Holiday Bazaar at the Museum December 7 - Christmas Tea at Gordon Hall December 12 - The Christmas Village Collection – Open House at Gordon Hall December 13 - Second Chance Holiday Bazaar at the Museum December 14 - The Christmas Village Collection – Open House at Gordon Hall |
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Timeless Toys and Traditions – a Fundraiser for Gordon Hall - Friday Dec 5, 6:30pm
This December, Gordon Hall will be transformed into a magical world where childhood toys come to life. You are invited to wander through a playful holiday wonderland, filled with toys that have sparked laughter, imagination, and joy for generations. Explore the Christmas Village Collection, our large displays of Department 56 houses from Milt Campbell’s extensive collection, which will be displayed for the final time as the displays must be dismantled and portions sold to prepare for the 2026 restoration work at Gordon Hall.
Join us for a lovely, festive evening enjoying strolling hors d’oeuvres, spirits, and holiday desserts in the company of other supporters. $80 per person supports the restoration of Gordon Hall. Dress is business casual.
This December, Gordon Hall will be transformed into a magical world where childhood toys come to life. You are invited to wander through a playful holiday wonderland, filled with toys that have sparked laughter, imagination, and joy for generations. Explore the Christmas Village Collection, our large displays of Department 56 houses from Milt Campbell’s extensive collection, which will be displayed for the final time as the displays must be dismantled and portions sold to prepare for the 2026 restoration work at Gordon Hall.
Join us for a lovely, festive evening enjoying strolling hors d’oeuvres, spirits, and holiday desserts in the company of other supporters. $80 per person supports the restoration of Gordon Hall. Dress is business casual.
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For reservations or questions call 734-395-4106 or reserve here via PayPal.
Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. |
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Christmas at the Mansion – a Family Tradition at Gordon Hall
Saturday Dec 6, 9am to 5pm with Santa from 10am to 3pm
Saturday Dec 6, 9am to 5pm with Santa from 10am to 3pm
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Visit beautiful Gordon Hall decorated with vintage toys to begin the season with your family. Children can enjoy a visit with Santa (10am to 3pm) and then make a gingerbread house to take home (9am to 5pm). Explore the Christmas Village Collection, our large displays of Department 56 houses from Milt Campbell’s extensive collection, which will be displayed for the final time since the displays must be dismantled and portions sold to prepare for the 2026 restoration work at Gordon Hall. Plan on taking beautiful family photos in our toy land!
Suggested donation is $5 per person. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. |
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Dexter Heritage Guild Annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6 from 9am-3pm
Admission is free.
Location: Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness, Dexter, MI. All proceeds benefit and support the Dexter Area Museum. Thank you for your continued support of the Museum and hope to see you! |
There will be a wide variety of handcrafted items: ornaments, pillows, wreaths, kitchen accessories, a variety of holiday décor, and beautiful apparel. We will also sell our popular themed gift baskets. There will be drawings for special items: a gift certificate for a restaurant and a show, two gently used American Girl dolls, and more. Winners will be selected at 2pm but need not be present to win. There will also be a Bake Sale, featuring a variety of baked and canned goods. The success of the Bake Sale will be determined by people donating items for the sale. We hope you will donate some of your delicious baked goods! For more treasures, the Museum’s gift shop will also be open. If you have any questions, send them to [email protected].
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A Christmas Tea – Favorite Toy Memories Sunday December 7 with seatings at 1pm and at 4pm
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Travel back in time as we revisit the childhoods of 4 local people who will share about their favorite toys. Enjoy tea served with sweets in the Gordon Hall parlors, lavishly decorated for the holidays. In keeping with the theme, feel free to bring a favorite childhood toy or picture of it. Explore the Christmas Village Collection, our large displays of Department 56 houses from Milt Campbell’s extensive collection, which will be displayed for the final time since the displays must be dismantled and portions sold to prepare for the 2026 restoration work at Gordon Hall.
$30 per adult and $15 per child aged 12 and under (limit 40 per seating). For reservations, which are required, call 734-395-4106. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. |
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The Christmas Village Collection – Open House at Gordon Hall - Dec 12 and 14
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Gordon Hall will host an open house from 6pm to 8pm on December 12 and 14. Enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations and explore the Christmas Village Collection, our large displays of Department 56 houses from Milt Campbell’s extensive collection, which will be displayed for the final time since the displays must be dismantled and portions sold to prepare for the 2026 restoration work at Gordon Hall.
Suggested donation: $5/adult. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI. |
Dexter Heritage Guild Second Chance Sale! Saturday, December 13 10am-3pm
Bazaar items will be for sale AND Santa will make an appearance from 1 to 3 - bring your own camera for free pictures with Santa! Gift wrapping will be available for items purchased at the bazaar for a nominal fee. See you then!
Location: Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness, Dexter, MI
Bazaar items will be for sale AND Santa will make an appearance from 1 to 3 - bring your own camera for free pictures with Santa! Gift wrapping will be available for items purchased at the bazaar for a nominal fee. See you then!
Location: Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness, Dexter, MI
Challenge Grant - The Gordon Hall 2026 Project
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The Dexter Area Historical Society is preparing to take a transformational step in the restoration of Gordon Hall. In 2026 we will reconfigure the interior of Gordon Hall to match its original floor plan, add a lift, and completely finish the interior of the central stair hall.
Between a grant and several generous donations, we already have $750,000 of the $1 million that we need to complete this project. For this Challenge Grant, we have a seed donation of $10,000. With this as a start, we have a goal to raise $250,000 to complete The Gordon Hall 2026 Project. The deadline for the campaign is March 1, 2026. For more information about your donation or the renovation call Caryl Burke at 734-476-5232 or email us at [email protected]. Your donation will help bring the restoration of Gordon Hall closer to completion. |
Will you join our legacy of support?
You can donate via credit card by clicking the DONATE button at the top of the page or you can make checks payable to DAHS (Please note “Gordon Hall 2026 Project“ on the memo line) and mail to:
DAHS, 3443 Inverness Street, Dexter, MI 48130. 
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Don't forget to get your copy of the Dexter Bicentennial Book!
Compiled from the collection of information and photos at the Dexter Area Museum and printed with the help of a donation from the Dexter Community Fund.
Proceeds support the work of the Dexter Area Historical Society |
Dexter Michigan
Then and Now Celebrating 200 Years The cost is $30 with a small service fee on credit card sales.
The book will be available for purchase: And at the following locations in town:
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The popular Dexter Throw now available!
We have recently received a new shipment! You can purchase a Dexter Throw at the museum. A new shipment has arrived, custom woven just for us. They are available in red, green, and blue for $50. |
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What fun at the annual meeting on Sunday, October 19!
Diane Hall entertained us with some of her extensive collection of hats from around the world. Volunteers modeled hats from prestigious, long-gone city department stores, couturiers, and milliners. It was fun and informative. |
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Gordon Hall Raffle - And the winner is . . .
The 2025 winner of the Gordon Hall Raffle was Eula Eddy of Chelsea! It was a 50/50 raffle and the drawing was held at Dexter Daze on Saturday August 9. Congratulations to Eula!! As always, this wonderful community supported DAHS and Gordon Hall by buying raffle tickets. Thank you so much to Eula and to everyone who bought a ticket! We value the faith you have in us. DAHS will apply our half of the total sales to the restoration of Gordon Hall. |
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Gordon Hall Days - another enjoyable time!
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The weekend began with a Friday evening Gordon Hall fundraiser highlighted by delicious food from Dexter’s Pub and beer from Erratic Ale. Music, dancing, and conversation with friends rounded out the evening.
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Saturday featured many events and, as always, the tour through historic Gordon Hall was a favorite. On the grounds many local area residents demonstrated weaving, felting, caning and more. The train depot display, the archaeology booth and the car show also captured interest. Children’s crafts, games, and animals made this a wonderful family event. Chela's food truck provided tasty refreshments.
On Saturday afternoon a costumed 1935 Garden Party Tea, celebrating Katharine Dexter McCormick's 60th birthday, was held in the big tent. Models wore ensembles once again provided by Helen Welford, who provided fascinating details regarding events and celebrations which would have occurred in 1935. The tea was well attended with several first timers -- all marveling at Helen's entertaining program. The weekend finished with a volunteer appreciation event on Sunday for our many our wonderful volunteers. Thanks to everyone who attended and/or worked to help make 2025 Gordon Hall Days a successful event. |
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Forest Lawn Cemetery Tours- Spring and Fall 2025 The fall tour did not enjoy the same beautiful weather as the spring tour, but many visitors attended in spite of the clouds and occasional light rain. The tour featured costumed "actors" portraying prominent Dexter residents such as Royal Copeland, Dr. Wylie, Calvin Fillmore, Dennis Warner and more. Future tours highlighting other citizens are being planned through the Dexter District Library for next year. |
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Gordon Hall
Gordon Hall is a majestic, iconic symbol of Dexter that embodies the area’s link to its origins. DAHS has worked hard through the years to tell the stories of this historic building and of this area’s founding families. Our vision is to restore Gordon Hall to its original grandeur and open it to the community as a venue for events, exhibits, and community activities. The $3.5 million full restoration will restore the building to its original historic splendor and include structural restoration as well as all new heating, cooling, power, and universal access via a lift.
In 2025 we will do structural improvements in the basement at Gordon Hall. The work will be partly funded by a wonderful grant from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in coordination with Washtenaw County. The rest of the funding has come from our amazing donors and supporters. If you donated last year, this will be how we put your money to work. THANK YOU!! And thanks to SHPO and our partners at Washtenaw County!
For work we completed in 2024, see the related article below.
In 2025 we will do structural improvements in the basement at Gordon Hall. The work will be partly funded by a wonderful grant from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in coordination with Washtenaw County. The rest of the funding has come from our amazing donors and supporters. If you donated last year, this will be how we put your money to work. THANK YOU!! And thanks to SHPO and our partners at Washtenaw County!
For work we completed in 2024, see the related article below.
If you would like to donate with a credit card, click the DONATE button at the right below the thermometer. To use a check, make it payable to DAHS and note “Gordon Hall restoration” on the memo line. Mail it to DAHS, 3443 Inverness Street, Dexter, MI 48130. You can also help us by becoming a volunteer or by spreading the word about our plans. Please contact us at [email protected] and join us as we recreate this beautiful historic space.
Gordon Hall Restoration Work Continues!
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In September 2024, DAHS completed the upgrade of the electrical service at Gordon Hall. This is the latest in a long series of projects aimed at restoring Gordon Hall. The original service was installed in 1950 and included 5 separate meters, one for each of the 4 apartments and one for the house. Gordon Hall now has an electrical supply capable of running our building once its restoration is complete, with planned updates that include an energy-efficient heating and cooling system and a lift for universal access. The work was supported by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Commission and also by many generous donations from our community.
Thank you! 
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Past Dexter Area Historical Society Events
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2024-2025 Gordon Hall Challenge Grant a Success!
Once again, this community came together to prove that Gordon Hall’s restoration is important to them. With a head start due to an early pledge of $10,000, the lovers of history in this area dug into their pockets and supported our goal to restore Gordon Hall with their hard-earned dollars. As of January 31, 2025, we raised a total of $41,240! This money will go directly to this year’s restoration project. To those of you who donated, we can’t thank you enough! To that amazing group that has donated faithfully over the years, you are an inspiration! This is a huge job, and it will take each and every one of us to complete it successfully. THANK YOU for your faith in us. Caryl Burke |
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Dexter Area Historical Society Annual Meeting
The meeting, held at the museum on September 8, 2024, was attended by over 50 people. After a brief business meeting we heard from Brian Braun, an auctioneer in the Michigan Auctioneer Hall of Fame. Brian lives on a Centennial Farm and has been collecting canning jars for many years. He shared his knowledge of canning history and displayed some of his collection. Several attendees brought jars and questions for Brian. It was an interesting afternoon! |
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Dexter's Bicentennial Celebration!
The city went all out with a carnival, fair and parade. You could even see Judge Dexter walking around town! The Dexter Area Historical Society joined in the city-wide celebration. Our events started in May with a cemetery tour and concluded with an evening at Gordon Hall with Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies. We also dug up the 1974 memory capsule and buried a new one. We hosted a tea at Gordon Hall featuring 1860’s wedding fashions, participated in the parade and hosted a booth downtown. |
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Unveiling the 1974 Time Capsule and burying a new one!
Although we were disappointed that the casket containing the 1974 memorabilia was broken and the contents suffered water damage, there were still some interesting items inside!
The items were on display at the museum along with the many donations for burial in the new capsule. A large crowd enjoyed cake served by the Heritage Guild and ice cream compliments of the Dexter Lions. |
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Antique Appraisal by DuMouchelles
On May 4, 2024, the Dexter Heritage Guild hosted 2 appraisers from DuMouchelles Art gallery, who came to the Dexter Area Museum for a day full of appraisals. There were 43 People who attended the event. Some of the items brought in, included paintings, lithographs, swords from different wars, an Indian club made with horsehair, a framed script from the New York Herald Newspaper dated 1865, a French rug dated from 18th century, and even a scrapbook from 1907. It was an interesting and informative event!
Many people heard about this event from the previous year's waiting list or read about it in the Dexter Historical Society's Newsletter, or on Facebook or in the Sun Times. Keep tuned for details on the next event in Spring 2025.
On May 4, 2024, the Dexter Heritage Guild hosted 2 appraisers from DuMouchelles Art gallery, who came to the Dexter Area Museum for a day full of appraisals. There were 43 People who attended the event. Some of the items brought in, included paintings, lithographs, swords from different wars, an Indian club made with horsehair, a framed script from the New York Herald Newspaper dated 1865, a French rug dated from 18th century, and even a scrapbook from 1907. It was an interesting and informative event!
Many people heard about this event from the previous year's waiting list or read about it in the Dexter Historical Society's Newsletter, or on Facebook or in the Sun Times. Keep tuned for details on the next event in Spring 2025.
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2023 Christmas at the Mansion was a great success.
The mansion was decked out in holiday splendor. Our guests on Friday evening enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, spirits and desserts while engaging in conversation in the festive Gordon Hall setting. On Saturday 460 folks visited Gordon Hall to put in their requests with Santa, build gingerbread houses, and enjoy the Christmas Village Collection of Department 56 houses. There were two seatings on Sunday afternoon for tea. The guests enjoyed tea, sandwiches and cookies and learned about the women of Gordon Hall. |
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2023 Holiday Bazaar!
The Dexter Heritage Guild hosted another successful bazaar as well as a "Second Chance" the following weekend. The proceeds from the sales support work at the museum.
The Dexter Heritage Guild hosted another successful bazaar as well as a "Second Chance" the following weekend. The proceeds from the sales support work at the museum.
Gordon Hall Days -2023
Thanks to our community and to our sponsors for a very successful Gordon Hall Days!
Thanks to our community and to our sponsors for a very successful Gordon Hall Days!
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Restore Gordon Hall!
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We continue our fundraising efforts toward the restoration of historic Gordon Hall. Our goal is to start work in 2024, Dexter's bicentennial year.
Any donation, large or small, is appreciated. Your support will help to create a lasting legacy for future generations. You can donate by pushing the DONATE button below or by mailing a check to DAHS at 3443 Inverness in Dexter 48130 (designated Gordon Hall Restoration). |
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 work that we do.
Christmas at the Mansion 2022
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Thanks to everyone who made the events possible and many thanks to those who enjoyed them! |
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Gordon Hall Days 2022
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Dexter Memorial Day Parade
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What a great celebration of the vote for women at the Dexter Memorial Day parade! We had 50 participants and we were cheered all along the parade route. The parade itself was the best ever! |
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Gordon Hall Renovation Update
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The first phase of Gordon Hall renovation is complete and it looks great! We contracted A. R. Brouwer Company, LLC for the addition of three bathrooms on the ground floor, a room on the second floor and replacement of the back porch with a replica of the original. In addition, work has been done on the North Parlor including restoring the original 1840 floors and painting the walls. |
Gordon Hall has a nice new look and is ready to host events. Please see our event page or contact Bene Fusilier at [email protected] or 734-426-8972 to book your date today.
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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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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!
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The Bob and Jan Lyons Foundation
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The Cedars of Dexter
411 Cedars Lane Dexter, Michigan 48130 |
Dexter Lions Club
PO Box 102 Dexter, MIchigan 48130 |
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. |
