Historical Society of Michigan moves to new building

The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) recently moved to a larger headquarters in the greater Lansing area at 7435 Westshire Drive, near the intersection of I-96 and M-43.

The building has nearly 12,000 square feet of space and will offer three education spaces—all with remote learning capabilities—tripling the amount of education opportunities from the old building.

The move and the future improvements to the education spaces were made possible by a major gift from The Meijer Foundation and contributions made by HSM members and friends to the Society’s previous building’s mortgage-reduction campaign. A longtime supporter of HSM, The Meijer Foundation has been a committed ally in the Society’s educational efforts to share the history and heritage of Michigan peoples.

HSM’s programs, which will be enhanced and expanded, include its two history magazines, Michigan History and Chronicle; three annual history conferences; the yearlong Michigan History Day program for students; History Skills Workshops; History Hounds Lecture Series; Michiganders on the Road motor coach history tours; the Michigan History Moment radio program; the Michigan History Alliance networking program across the state; and more.

The new location offers more room for staff, small meeting spaces, more storage and an expanded area for HSM’s library of Michigan history books.

The Historical Society of Michigan, publisher of Michigan History and Chronicle magazines, is the state’s oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan history.