Dexter Area Historical Society
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Museum
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130 The museum is open 1-3 on Friday and Saturday. 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 closed for renovations. See below for details and progress!
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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 - Summer 2026
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 - Summer 2026
Or browse the Newsletter Archive
The Museum is Open!
The Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1-3 pm.
Come in and catch our new exhibit – Footprints of History, a celebration of shoes in Dexter through the years. While you are there, check out our doll collection, the early 1900s dentist chair and tools, the 1970s Bell Telephone Company’ switchboard, the model train, the historic printing exhibit, and so much more. Find us at 3443 Inverness Street in Dexter.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Come in and catch our new exhibit – Footprints of History, a celebration of shoes in Dexter through the years. While you are there, check out our doll collection, the early 1900s dentist chair and tools, the 1970s Bell Telephone Company’ switchboard, the model train, the historic printing exhibit, and so much more. Find us at 3443 Inverness Street in Dexter.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Event Schedule
Even though the restoration of the interior of Gordon Hall is underway and we are unable to host Gordon Hall Days and Christmas at the Mansion this year, we have a full calendar of events!
Gordon Hall Gala – Restoring the Past to Benefit the Future
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Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of our beloved Gordon Hall, a treasured landmark that has stood as a witness to generations of stories.
On November 14 beginning at 6pm at the Columbus Hall in Dexter, you will enjoy an enchanting evening filled with music, buffet dinner, open bar, and a silent auction featuring unique, one-of-a-kind items. Between the laughter, the dancing, and warm conversations, you’ll be part of something bigger – preserving a piece of our shared history for years to come. Every ticket purchased and every bid placed brings us closer to completing Gordon Hall’s timeless charm and ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our community. Reserve your spot today and be a part of history in the making! Stay tuned for information about the silent auction. |
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Gordon Hall Gala Ticket Purchase
Early Bird tickets before November 1 are $100/person or $500 for 6. Beginning November 1, the tickets are $125/person or $625 for 6. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 734-395-4106 or click the link to use PayPal. |
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Forest Lawn Cemetery Tour - Sunday September 20 2-4 pm at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter
Presented by the Dexter Area Historical Society, the Dexter District Library, and Forest Lawn Cemetery. Tour guides will lead small groups to meet a number of historic characters from Dexter as you visit their gravesites around the cemetery. Be prepared for uneven ground and wear comfortable shoes. To register and for more information, visit the Dexter Library website: https://dexter.lib.mi.us/events/ and scroll down to the events on September 20.
Presented by the Dexter Area Historical Society, the Dexter District Library, and Forest Lawn Cemetery. Tour guides will lead small groups to meet a number of historic characters from Dexter as you visit their gravesites around the cemetery. Be prepared for uneven ground and wear comfortable shoes. To register and for more information, visit the Dexter Library website: https://dexter.lib.mi.us/events/ and scroll down to the events on September 20.
DAHS Annual Meeting - Date Change!!
New Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026 2-4 pm at the Dexter Area Museum
After a short business meeting, Tim VanAken will share about the History of Toy Trucks and Cars. All are welcome to join us for light refreshments and to learn a little about the toys of the past. There is no charge for this event
New Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026 2-4 pm at the Dexter Area Museum
After a short business meeting, Tim VanAken will share about the History of Toy Trucks and Cars. All are welcome to join us for light refreshments and to learn a little about the toys of the past. There is no charge for this event
Museum Yard Sale - October 2-3
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Time to do some fall cleaning? You can donate your extra stuff to the Museum for the Yard Sale! Household items that are clean and in good working order are gratefully accepted. Please, no clothing, televisions, or electronics.
Donations can be dropped at the Museum on
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DAHS Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Event Sunday October 11, 2-5 pm
Drop-in event at the Dexter Area Museum 3443 Inverness in Dexter
Please join us on the 11th for wine, light refreshments, and a chance to mingle with other lovers of DAHS. There will be a short program at 3 pm, but mostly we want to love on you and make sure you know how much we appreciate you.
DAHS would not be anywhere without our volunteers and donors. Everything we accomplish is only possible because we are blessed with this amazing, talented, enthusiastic, dedicated, large group of volunteers and donors. We want to thank you for everything you do for us, whether you set up and tear down our events, clean up after our teas, sell our raffle tickets, conduct tours, create things for the craft sale, maintain our buildings and grounds, decorate, create, organize, pay for, publicize, mow, scrape and paint, entertain, or repair everything!
Drop-in event at the Dexter Area Museum 3443 Inverness in Dexter
Please join us on the 11th for wine, light refreshments, and a chance to mingle with other lovers of DAHS. There will be a short program at 3 pm, but mostly we want to love on you and make sure you know how much we appreciate you.
DAHS would not be anywhere without our volunteers and donors. Everything we accomplish is only possible because we are blessed with this amazing, talented, enthusiastic, dedicated, large group of volunteers and donors. We want to thank you for everything you do for us, whether you set up and tear down our events, clean up after our teas, sell our raffle tickets, conduct tours, create things for the craft sale, maintain our buildings and grounds, decorate, create, organize, pay for, publicize, mow, scrape and paint, entertain, or repair everything!
Gordon Hall Raffle
The 13th Annual Gordon Hall Raffle was a success! Every year, people like you support us by spending a little extra out of their pockets to buy raffle tickets. Since 2013, our raffle winners have taken home a total of over $111,000!! DAHS’s share has provided very significant support for our restoration of Gordon Hall – a total over the years of $95,247. We thank you every day for choosing this affordable but significant way to show your love for Gordon Hall.
This year's total sales topped $12,000 and the winner took home over $6000.
Many thanks to the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and to Busch’s for their support of this effort!
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As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, members of the Dexter Area Historical Society have written a series of articles about Dexter’s history as it relates to happenings in the country. The articles, published in The Sun Times News, explore how Dexter and its citizens were involved in, or affected by the events or ideas happening in the nation. Click on the links to the right to read the articles.
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Accessibility upgrades at the Dexter Area Museum
DAHS is committed to making our building and programming open to all, but there is currently no way to enter the Museum without going up stairs and no designated handicap parking close to the building. This can make it difficult or impossible for those with limited mobility to get in, much less experience Dexter’s history through the exhibits. First to be addressed is the parking. Our parking lot, which we share with St. Andrews United Church of Christ across the street, recently received a major upgrade when they had it re-paved and marked out 3 handicap spaces next to the Museum. Thanks St. Andrews! You may recall that our museum building was the original St. Andrews church, and it sat across the street in the current church’s location. When they decided to build a new church in 1974, they gave their 1880s building to the newly organized Dexter Area Museum, who then moved it across the street to its current location.
In addition to designated parking, we will install a ramp at the Museum. The first step is to develop detailed plans and a cost estimate, which are currently underway. Next steps will include seeking grant funding and beginning the permitting process with the City of Dexter. We hope to have the ramp installed before the end of the year. If you know of a grant that we can pursue for this project, please contact Caryl Burke at 734-476-5232 or [email protected].
DAHS is committed to making our building and programming open to all, but there is currently no way to enter the Museum without going up stairs and no designated handicap parking close to the building. This can make it difficult or impossible for those with limited mobility to get in, much less experience Dexter’s history through the exhibits. First to be addressed is the parking. Our parking lot, which we share with St. Andrews United Church of Christ across the street, recently received a major upgrade when they had it re-paved and marked out 3 handicap spaces next to the Museum. Thanks St. Andrews! You may recall that our museum building was the original St. Andrews church, and it sat across the street in the current church’s location. When they decided to build a new church in 1974, they gave their 1880s building to the newly organized Dexter Area Museum, who then moved it across the street to its current location.
In addition to designated parking, we will install a ramp at the Museum. The first step is to develop detailed plans and a cost estimate, which are currently underway. Next steps will include seeking grant funding and beginning the permitting process with the City of Dexter. We hope to have the ramp installed before the end of the year. If you know of a grant that we can pursue for this project, please contact Caryl Burke at 734-476-5232 or [email protected].
The Latest on Gordon Hall Restoration
Note there will be no Christmas at the Mansion or Gordon Hall Days in 2026 during construction
After finally receiving our construction drawings at the end of June, we are at last ready to begin construction work at Gordon Hall! The Request for Proposal (RFP) has been posted and contractors are currently submitting bids to do the work. This project will restore Gordon Hall’s original floorplan, completely finish the inside of the central hall, and install a lift. We expect demolition of the 1950s interior to begin in September and hope to have the project complete in February 2027. About half of the roughly $1 million cost of this project is supported by a large grant from the Community Museums Grant (CMG) Program of the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The other half of the funding has come from our incredible donors and from the people who attend our events. Stay tuned for updates as the work progresses!
All of our restoration work at Gordon Hall is guided by 3 key documents. First is the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). This depression-era works project hired architects in 1934 to develop detailed architectural drawings of Gordon Hall, which was considered to be an important American building. The drawings are on file in the Library of Congress and tell us exactly what the building’s interior looked like before the University of Michigan’s extensive changes in 1950. Second is the Gordon Hall Rehabilitation Master Plan (RMP), prepared in 2011 after DAHS bought the building in 2006. The RMP details the history of the building and the people associated with it, explains why it is important to save it, describes the physical condition of the house, and provides a blueprint for its restoration and future use. Finally, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties provide guidance on the methods to be used during restoration. Our work is defined as Rehabilitation (not Preservation) since the original interior was removed in 1950. We aim to restore the building’s historic character while preparing it for a new life as a venue for historical and educational exhibits, community events, and private events. This will be big difference to the old grand dame, who began life as a family home. But we know she will love it as we love her.
After finally receiving our construction drawings at the end of June, we are at last ready to begin construction work at Gordon Hall! The Request for Proposal (RFP) has been posted and contractors are currently submitting bids to do the work. This project will restore Gordon Hall’s original floorplan, completely finish the inside of the central hall, and install a lift. We expect demolition of the 1950s interior to begin in September and hope to have the project complete in February 2027. About half of the roughly $1 million cost of this project is supported by a large grant from the Community Museums Grant (CMG) Program of the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The other half of the funding has come from our incredible donors and from the people who attend our events. Stay tuned for updates as the work progresses!
All of our restoration work at Gordon Hall is guided by 3 key documents. First is the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). This depression-era works project hired architects in 1934 to develop detailed architectural drawings of Gordon Hall, which was considered to be an important American building. The drawings are on file in the Library of Congress and tell us exactly what the building’s interior looked like before the University of Michigan’s extensive changes in 1950. Second is the Gordon Hall Rehabilitation Master Plan (RMP), prepared in 2011 after DAHS bought the building in 2006. The RMP details the history of the building and the people associated with it, explains why it is important to save it, describes the physical condition of the house, and provides a blueprint for its restoration and future use. Finally, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties provide guidance on the methods to be used during restoration. Our work is defined as Rehabilitation (not Preservation) since the original interior was removed in 1950. We aim to restore the building’s historic character while preparing it for a new life as a venue for historical and educational exhibits, community events, and private events. This will be big difference to the old grand dame, who began life as a family home. But we know she will love it as we love her.
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Challenge Grant - The Gordon Hall 2026 Project
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2025 Gordon Hall Challenge Grant a Success!
Yet again, our community has stepped up and dug into their pockets to prove how much they love Gordon Hall and want to see it restored! Our goal for the 2025 Challenge Grant was $50,000. As of March 31, 2026, we raised a total of $49,024! This year’s restoration project, the Gordon Hall 2026 Project, is a really big one – restore the original floorplan, completely finish the inside of the central hall, and install a lift. These funds will contribute significantly to our ability to get that done. To those of you who have donated at any time to restore Gordon Hall, we can’t thank you enough. To that incredible group of people who have 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! |
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Our 2025 Dexter Area Historical Society Holiday Events
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The 2025 holiday events at Gordon Hall were beautiful and successful! Over 700 people attended the various holiday events in spite of the cold and sometimes icy weather. Folks from age 9 months to 90 years visited to have tea, see Santa and his elf Cindy Sue, view the amazing Christmas Village Collection (and complete the scavenger hunt), make a gingerbread house, mingle with other supporters, and of course see the beautiful holiday decorations. |
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Many of our attendees came to see Gordon Hall for the very first time to hear about its history and its stories. Many others came to visit an old friend before DAHS embarks on a massive interior restoration project on the house in 2026. It won’t look the same when you see it the next time, but it will have taken a huge step toward full restoration! (See below for details.)
Thanks to all who supported us as attendees, as sponsors, as donors, and as volunteers. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Thanks to all who supported us as attendees, as sponsors, as donors, and as volunteers. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
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Holiday Bazaar 2025
The Dexter Heritage Guild's Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale was a success again this year. Our Second Chance Sale, the following Saturday, brought in additional customers. All proceed from the two events support the Dexter Area Museum. Thank you to all of the DAHS members who donated food for our bake sale, vintage decorations and crafts. Also to those who helped staff our two sales. Your continued support played a huge role in our success. |
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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 2025 - 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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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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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.
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 City 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 Museum.
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 City 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 Museum.
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. |
