Bicyclists on railroad bridge 1897 Miss Cole's class 1927 GI School 'Bus' 1904
MAKING THE PAST LAST
Founded in 1959, the Grosse Ile Historical Society(GIHS) serves as an invaluable resource for Grosse Ile history, life, and culture. The GIHS’s collections tell the story of the Island through 240+ years and consist of hundreds of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable treasures.
The primary location of the GIHS is within the East River Road Historic District which consists of the old Michigan Central Railroad Depot (built in 1904), the Custom House (constructed about 1873), St. James Episcopal Church chapel (built in 1867), and six mid-nineteenth century homes north of the chapel. Also under the Society's protection is the Grosse Ile Lighthouse (constructed in 1894 & redesigned in 1906), a prominent landmark on the northeastern shoreline. The Grosse Ile Naval Air Station has been an epicenter of air activity since the mid-1920's and was a World War II training center. GIHS has a museum display within the Grosse Ile Township Hall about some of the Air Station's historic contributions. Eight Michigan Historic Site markers can be seen at various locations on the Island indicating important places, dates, and events in Grosse Ile's past.
REASON FOR HAVING A SOCIETY
The GIHS strives to enhance the understanding of our Island’s past and its connection to the present, demonstrating that history is not just a series of events that happened to individuals long ago but is integral to the fabric of our daily lives. Beyond collecting and researching, the Grosse Ile Historical Society wants to offer ways for the public to enjoy our Island history through engaging programs, thought-provoking exhibitions, and newsletters.
TREASURES
The GIHS collections contain many famous documents and artifacts including a copy of the 1776 treaty signed by the Macomb brothers and the Island-dwelling native Americans (the Potawatomi) ; an early model of the outboard motor; photographs of the construction of the Livingston Channel; Naval Air Base and war time artifacts; items representing early life on the Island; pictures of early dwellings, churches, schools, and businesses; photographs and artifacts from various modes of transportation; and much more.
Founded in 1959, the Grosse Ile Historical Society(GIHS) serves as an invaluable resource for Grosse Ile history, life, and culture. The GIHS’s collections tell the story of the Island through 240+ years and consist of hundreds of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable treasures.
The primary location of the GIHS is within the East River Road Historic District which consists of the old Michigan Central Railroad Depot (built in 1904), the Custom House (constructed about 1873), St. James Episcopal Church chapel (built in 1867), and six mid-nineteenth century homes north of the chapel. Also under the Society's protection is the Grosse Ile Lighthouse (constructed in 1894 & redesigned in 1906), a prominent landmark on the northeastern shoreline. The Grosse Ile Naval Air Station has been an epicenter of air activity since the mid-1920's and was a World War II training center. GIHS has a museum display within the Grosse Ile Township Hall about some of the Air Station's historic contributions. Eight Michigan Historic Site markers can be seen at various locations on the Island indicating important places, dates, and events in Grosse Ile's past.
REASON FOR HAVING A SOCIETY
The GIHS strives to enhance the understanding of our Island’s past and its connection to the present, demonstrating that history is not just a series of events that happened to individuals long ago but is integral to the fabric of our daily lives. Beyond collecting and researching, the Grosse Ile Historical Society wants to offer ways for the public to enjoy our Island history through engaging programs, thought-provoking exhibitions, and newsletters.
TREASURES
The GIHS collections contain many famous documents and artifacts including a copy of the 1776 treaty signed by the Macomb brothers and the Island-dwelling native Americans (the Potawatomi) ; an early model of the outboard motor; photographs of the construction of the Livingston Channel; Naval Air Base and war time artifacts; items representing early life on the Island; pictures of early dwellings, churches, schools, and businesses; photographs and artifacts from various modes of transportation; and much more.