Ravenna Area Historical Society

Visit the Ravenna Historical Museum

Hours of Operation:
Open Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Or schedule a visit by appointment.

To Arrange a Visit:
Contact Maryde Housler
📞 231-853-2400
📧 Hillhouse12556@aol.com

Museum Location:
12278 Stafford Street
Ravenna, MI 49451

Explore Our Collections

The Ravenna Historical Museum is home to a rich collection of artifacts and archived research materials, including:

• Historic area plat maps

• Ravenna tax assessments (1883–1933)

• Transcribed assessments (1849–1871)

• Ravenna Times newspapers (1951–1974), plus miscellaneous issues

• Ravenna Independent issues (est. 1976)

• Muskegon County cemetery books

• Area death and family records

• And much more...

Whether you're a local historian, genealogist, or simply curious about the area's past, you'll find valuable resources to explore.

Our Story

The roots of the Ravenna Area Historical Society trace back to Ravenna’s 125th anniversary celebration, Nostalgia Days, held August 6–10, 1974. A community exhibit of local historical items was displayed at the Masonic Temple on Crockery Creek Drive. That original display became the foundation for today’s museum collection.

The Ravenna Area Historical Society was officially formed on July 30, 1979, after a community meeting held on March 12 of that year. The founding members included:

• Bob Poulin – President

• Hesther Link – Treasurer

• Arlene Owen – Secretary

• Jim & Joan Drake

• Dan Giddings

• Wally Owen

• Jim Johnson

• Bob Alberts, Sr.

• Garnet & Ren Lindgren

Since its formation, the Society has sponsored a variety of events to celebrate and preserve local heritage, including:

• 1991 – Quilt Show

• 1992 – Ravenna Proud Days Museum Open House

• 1993 – Doll Show

• 1994 – Plates, Clowns, and Bears

• 1995 – Pleasures and Treasures

• 1999 – Sesquicentennial Project and History Book Publication

The Society’s history book, Ravenna Township: 150 Years, compiled by historian Shannan J. Place and formatted by Laura E. Moyer, is available for purchase for $10 at the Museum and the Ravenna Township Office.