Local History Exhibits

- 1920 Classroom
- Typical Home Interior
- GIft Shop

The Museum building itself was designated a Michigan Historical Site in 2000. The original Hanover Horton High School was built on this site in 1874. After a fire destroyed this structure in 1910, a new two-story brick construction took its place and was used until 1958. The Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society acquired the building in 1977 for use as a local museum.

Lee Conklin's antique reed organs, along with others acquired since his death, are displayed in what was once the gymnasium. The ninety-five fully restored organs and melodeons is one of the largest collections in the United States. organ collection
classroom The Zella Gilmore Classroom is named in honor a long-time teacher in the school. Furnished with turn-of-the-century pupil desks and the original teacher's desk and chair, the room also features a recitation bench, dunce stool, schoolbooks, slates, maps and children's toys. Portraits of Washington and Linclon that always hung in the classrooms of that period and a 46-star flag help to take visitors back in time. Mrs. Gilmore's upright Steinway piano occupies one corner of the classroom.
The second floor hosts many exhibits of local interest such as the interior of a typical 1900's household, old record playing machines, a large handmade rug loom, and a unique 1890's dog-powered treadmill butter churn.kitchen
printing press Of special local interest are a job press and printing equipment from the former Hanover-Horton Local and the Hanover manual telephone switchboard.
Other displays show old photographs of local businesses and the railroad which served the area, woodworking and hand tools, antique clothing, Civil War and Stony Point Quarry "ghost town" artifacts.local businesses and railroad
gift shop The museum also boasts of a small gift shop in which the visitor can purchase a variety of quality handmade items.