About the Museum

A Brief History

The Port Huron Museum of Arts and History was founded in 1967, and through a community-wide volunteer effort, opened its doors in 1968. Housed in an historic Carnegie Library, built in 1904, the Museum provides exhibitions and programs relating to local history, fine arts (with an emphasis on regional art), decorative arts, natural history, and Great Lakes marine lore.

The Museum is the only year-round, multi-disciplinary cultural institution in Michigan's Thumb Area, a five-county area. The Museum began as a completely volunteer-operated organization, and now employs a staff of eight full-time and two part-time personnel, and seasonal part-time staff during the summer months. Volunteers are the backbone of the institution. Over 44,000 volunteer hours were logged in 2003 for a wide variety of special events, classes, programs, exhibitions, and outreach services. In addition to serving our own community, the Museum is recognized throughout the State of Michigan and nationally as a center for research in folk arts, archeology, and Great Lakes maritime history.

In 1990, the Museum opened its first off-site facility at the Huron Lightship, a National Historic Landmark now located in our nearby waterfront park. In 2001, the Museum opened its second satellite facility, the Thomas Edison Depot Museum, to interpret the early life of Thomas Edison in Port Huron. The new museum is housed in the historic railroad station where Edison was employed, and it is based on some 19 years of archeological research sponsored by our institution. In 2004, the Museum opened its third satellite, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Bramble. The Bramble was closed to the public 2011.  The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, is owned by the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation and has partnered with the Port Huron Museum.  Summer of 2012, we are hoping to be on the grounds.

Our Mission and Values

The Port Huron Museum celebrates the history and culture of the Blue Water Area and fosters an appreciation of other peoples and places.  Through exhibitions, education, and public programs, the Museum inspires knowledge of the past, participation in the present, and an imagination for the future.

We Value:

Our visitors and treat them with respect;
Preservation, research, and promotion of our unique community history and culture;
An understanding of Port Huron’s place in the larger world;
Integrity, authenticity, and relevance in our exhibits and programs;
A safe learning environment that provides experiential opportunities for visitors of all ages;
Dedication, commitment, and professionalism in staff, Board, and volunteers;
Mutual trust, creativity, respect, and fun;
Collaboration with other regional organizations;
Fiscal responsibility and maintaining a sustainable funding base

Our 4 Sites

The Museum is proud to offer a variety of activites at the Carnegie Center and four satellite sites. Learn More...