The Society has curtailled activities for the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. In this year, 2022, we have started to get some normal activity with in person meetings again.
In March, Linda Cynowa presented her book “Images of America—Washington Township” at an evening program in the Museum. The event was well attended and a discussion followed the presentation.
On April 29, 2022, the Washington Historical Society with the Friends of the Octagon House cohosted the Macomb County Heritage Alliance meeting at the Senior Center. The annual meeting had been postponed twice because of the pandemic. The meeting was attended by representatives from many of the historical societies in Macomb County.
In May, we held an evening meeting called “Show and Tell” with some interesting items brought in for discussion. We had a small number of attendees but a good meeting.
June 5, 2022, we held our Super Sunday 2022. We only had a few vendors but quality items. A Silent Auction was held in the meeting room of the Museum. Our Plant Lady sold orphan plants and other stuff outside. “Just Banjos” provided miusic in the afternoon. The event was successful and added to our Roof Fund.
On June 15, 2022, with the help and guidance of Sam Previti, a golf outing was held at the Greystone Golf Club. We had 68 golfers come to the event and the weather was just right—a beautiful day! The best fund raising event that we have ever had. A grateful thank you to the Golf Event Committee for your work to make the event such a success: Cherie, Dana, Marlyn, Terry, Pat, Rachel and Patty. And a thank you to Jan, Michele and Lisa.
On September 22, 2022, we had an evening meeting at the Museum at 7 PM with the topic of a “History of the Metroparks”: Kensington, Stony Creek, Metro Beach…"Hey, I remember going there as a kid!” Have you ever wondered how southeastern Michigan built its own park system? If you attended, you saw photos, artifacts, and ideas about the Metroparks that you have grown to love. Mr Shelton covered the history of the park system from the initial concept to the current park system with descriptions of some of the problems along the way. An excellent presentation covering a portion of the history of this area and challenges of development. Brief discussion period followed the presentation and refreshments were available for guests.
The presenter was Charlie Shelton, CIG | Eastern District Community Outreach Interpreter. charlie.shelton@metroparks.com Desk: 810.227.2757 x. 6247 | Cell: 586.855.712.
On Sunday, September 25, 2022, Antique and Collectible Appraisal Fair, 12 N to 4 PM on the website, it will be on Sunday, September 25, 12 - 4 p.m. Whether you have a family heirloom or an item purchased at a sale, our expert appraisers, LaVere and Zola Webster, will provide you with the opportunity to spend some time with an expert and learn not only the background of your item, but also its value. The cost is $5.00 per item, and you may bring as many items as you wish. If it is determined an item is of little value, the fee may be waived. Proceeds from this event will help fund our "Raise The Roof" project to replace the roof of the museum.
October 6, 2022, Mark Fobare hosted two Boy Scout meetings at the Museum One meeting was the Michigan Crossroads Council, Chippewa District Committee with eight attendees. The second meeting was the Chippewa District, Order of the Arrow. Chapter Board meeting with nine attendees.
The Greater Washington Area Historical Society is planning to have a used book sale on Sunday October 9 & 23 and November 13 and 27. If you have used books you would like to donate, please drop them off at the museum on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Sundays when the museum is open. The museum is located at 58230 Van Dyke north of 26 Mile Road. For more information, go to our website www.washhistsoc.org, our Facebook Page (GWAHS), or call 586-786-5304 (answering machine).
The October 27, 2022, the evening meeting has been canceled and rescheduled for March 23, 2023. Mr Mark Fobare will be discussing topics related to the John Dyer-Hurdon Boy Scout Museum.
The Washington Historical Museum is located in the OLD 1916 Washington High School. The school operated from 1917 until 1972 when the new Washington Elementary School was completed. In 1975, the Greater Washington Area Historical Society was granted the old school to use as a Historical Society Museum. The Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization which truly needs your help to preserve the early history of our area.
