Welcome to the Arenac County Historical Society, a museum that stands as a repository of the rich and layered history of Arenac County, Michigan. Located in the city of Au Gres, this museum invites you to explore the stories of the people and events that shaped this region.
Arenac County, named by the notable geographer and ethnologist Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, combines the Latin ‘arena’ (sandy) with the Native American ‘ac’ (earth), reflecting the area’s unique geographical and cultural heritage. The name itself is a testament to the intertwining influences of Native American languages and European settlers in the region.
The city of Au Gres, where the museum is situated, was first settled in 1862, by workers on the Saginaw–Au Sable State Road. John Edward Bradley, the first permanent settler, established the Bradley House in 1866, marking the beginning of a burgeoning community. By 1905, Au Gres was incorporated as a city, and it continued to flourish as a center of trade and culture.
The museum features exhibits that highlight significant historical events and figures from Arenac County’s past. You will find artifacts and stories from the logging and railroad industries that were vital to the area’s development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also houses images and documents that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the region, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples.
One of the museum’s key missions is to preserve the legacies of local heroes and notable figures, such as the county’s soldiers who served in conflicts like the Vietnam War. Memorials and exhibits serve as a poignant reminder of their contributions and sacrifices.
As you explore the museum, you’ll discover how Arenac County evolved over time, from a frontier settlement to a vibrant community rich in history and culture. The museum not only chronicles the past but also invites visitors to become part of its ongoing story by contributing their own knowledge and memories to its archives.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor passing through, the Arenac County Historical Society offers a fascinating journey through time, shedding light on the events and people that have made this corner of Michigan unique.
