byron center historical society
The Byron Center Historical Society
operates a museum and a genealogy research room in
the Historic Town Hall built in 1876. The society
was organized to preserve, protect the history and
heritage of Byron Township. The building is 130
years old this year!
The main floor includes the old post
office, a doctor's office and a store. Displays on
farming reflect the rich rural history of all 36
square miles of our Township! We are have a great
collection of pictures, quilts and farm implements
available for your viewing pleasure!
The
Odd Fellow Society originally held a 99 year lease
on the second floor of this building. Our generation
has only a small amount of knowledge about the Odd
Fellows and secret societies. We also have a
terrific history with our local Grange and farm
histories. Come, visit!
We currently hold a great collection
of Veteran history in the front half of our large
second floor. The renovated second floor also holds
a real life school room for use in recreating what
the school experience was like in years gone by.
There are displays of local Boy Scout, Girl Scout
and 4-H exhibits as well. Also on display are the
local high school senior pictures dating to 1930.
Please contact us for reservations for school or
Scout tours.
Our genealogy research room is full
of family histories and records to search your Byron
Township ancestors. Let us help you find your family
roots - its fun! We are the Archivist of Record for
Byron Center Township and will be glad to help you
in your search for family and local history. If
you’re interested in joining our team of volunteers,
we would be delighted and hope to meet you soon!
Call Adele Roblin at 616-878-0888
Take in one of our featured speakers
on historical subjects or attend one of our antique
road shows and have your heirlooms appraised. Enjoy
the ‘Old Settlers Picnic’ during Byron Center Days
in July, or enjoy with us the elegant lumber baron’s
home that will be open to tour! Join us as we host
an annual open house of our Museum for the Community
Christmas Parade every year in thanks for all of the
support that we receive through out the year.
We invite you to come get involved
in the Byron Center Historical Society, your help
and ideas will make it possible for us to keep
offering interesting and informative programs to our
community. Please keep in mind that we are the
destination at the end of the Kent Trails as well, a
beautiful path for family and friends to enjoy.
Benefits of Membership:
-
Quarterly newsletter with
interesting historical facts and who's-who
tidbits about the township as well as
announcement of upcoming speakers, programs and
antique appraisals.
-
Your membership is tax
deductible!
-
Best of all, your membership
dues make it possible to preserve the historical
heritage of Byron Township
Membership is $10.00 per individual.
Genealogy is fun!
Let us help you discover your Byron
Township family history.
Byron Center Museum & Genealogy
Room
PO Box 20 / 2506 Prescott
Byron Center, Michigan 49315
Directions:
Located one block south of 84th
Street and two blocks east of Byron Center Ave. From
131, go West on 84th Street to the four corners of
Byron Center Avenue. Turn left, go one block, turn
right go two blocks and you will see our wonderful
two story building.
NEW HOURS: Open Mondays through
Friday, 9-5pm. Call Director Adele Roblin at
616-878-0888 for further information or an
appointment.
Email:
byronmuseum@sbcglobal.net
Or visit us at our new website:
www.byroncenterhistory.com
Publications:
Plat Maps of Byron Township - $15
includes indexed maps for 1855, 1863, 1874, 1896,
1907, 1919 & 1935
Byron Township Sesquicentennial
Album - $15
A pictorial album of Byron Township history
A Century of Progress 1857-1957 -
$25
The History of Byron Township Schools by Cora
Jaarsma
Byron Center Historical Society
Cookbook - $5
