A Living Legacy: How the Port Huron Museum Brings History and Community to Life

Since its founding in 1967 as the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History, the Port Huron Museum has stood as a landmark educational, cultural, and historical organization in Michigan’s Thumb region. Its mission – to “preserve and illuminate history and culture for the benefit of our community” – is reflected across its four unique destinations: the Carnegie Museum, Fort Gratiot Light Station and Lighthouse, Huron Lightship, and Thomas Edison Depot. Together, they offer immersive experiences that connect the community with art, heritage, and discovery.

A Personal Role in the Community

Beyond the breadth of its geography and the thousands of visitors it welcomes, the Museum plays a deeply personal role in the community. For the more than 36,000 visitors who came through its doors last year, the Museum serves not only as a keeper of history, but also as a spark of imagination.

One visitor, for instance, was captivated by the John Riley New Testament Bible (circa 1820) during a recent visit. “This New Testament, produced by the American Bible Society, belonged to John Riley – the son of James Van Slyck Ryley, a trader from New York, and an Ojibwa woman named Menawcumegoqua,” explained Curator of Collections & Exhibits Emily Reitzel. “He became the leader of the Black River band of his mother’s tribe in the early 1800s. The inside cover is inscribed in pencil, ‘Indian Chief. John Riley. His Book.’ Riley is the namesake of Riley Township and was specifically mentioned in the 1816 Treaty of Saginaw.”

Reitzel went on to share that after fighting on the U.S. side during the War of 1812, Riley built one of the first stores in what is now Port Huron. For the visitor, seeing the Bible rekindled fond memories of hearing their grandfather tell stories about Chief Riley – an emotional connection that transformed a display case into something far more personal.

Creating New Memories for Residents

The Museum has also become a setting for people to create new memories. Local residents Lisa Beedon and Mark Watson chose the Carnegie Museum as the location for their wedding ceremony. “We support local history and placemaking,” Beedon shared. “The museum hosts so many events we’ve attended and come to love. When anyone looks back at special moments, the location becomes part of the memory. We wanted a space that would be just as meaningful as our vows – and our hometown museum provided that beautiful, memorable backdrop.”

Robust Educational Opportunities

Beyond exhibits and special events, the Museum offers a wide variety of educational and creative programs. One of the most popular are its arts and crafts workshops, led by in-house artist Lisa Jo Struyk, who serves as Education & Program Coordinator Assistant and Visitor Services Representative. Struyk shared feedback from one of her attendees, Connie Cooper, who summed up the spirit of these classes: “I had the pleasure of attending one of Lisa’s classes, and she has a way of bringing out the hidden artist in you. I never knew I had such a creative side, and it’s been an absolute blast discovering it.” Struyk added, “I feel everyone can create, laugh, and have fun – they just have to give it a try.”

Partnering with the Community

The Museum’s reach also extends through partnerships with local artists, historians, and community organizations. These collaborations include the Blue Water Area Woodturners, visiting lecturers, musicians, children’s activity groups, and more. Together, they help expand both the Museum’s mission and the reach of its partners.

One recent highlight is the 2025 partnership exhibit “Blue Water, Green Spaces” with the Friends of the St. Clair River. “I worked closely with Friends to create all of the content and interactive features you see when you enter the exhibit,” said Reitzel. Another major display, “Celebration of the Carnegie: A Legacy of Knowledge, Service & Community,” chronicles the building’s evolution from Port Huron’s public library to the vibrant museum it is today. “This exhibit would not have been possible without the Michigan Room at the St. Clair County Library System,” Reitzel added, noting their invaluable research support and artifact loans.

The Museum’s presence extends well beyond its own walls, too. Pop-up exhibits have appeared in the basement of Country Style Market in downtown Port Huron and at the Michigan Welcome Center. Artifacts are also displayed at multiple locations, including the DB Harrington locomotive at the Wrigley Center. “These partnerships are a win-win,” said Reitzel. “It’s amazing seeing what we can bring to life for visitors together.”

Sometimes, the Museum even takes history on the road. A newly acquired trolley now offers guided tours that highlight local architecture, significant landmarks, and the area’s rich stories. The Museum also serves countless school groups—both at its sites and through classroom visits across the county. “We have visitors who fondly remember Pioneer Days at Kammer Cabin from their childhood – especially the candle making!” Reitzel said.

Hands-on educational programs such as Magnetism at the Thomas Edison Depot, Keeper’s Camp at Fort Gratiot Light Station, and Overnight at the Lighthouse continue to inspire young learners. The Museum also works closely with students from St. Clair County Community College, hosting field projects and internships that help future museum professionals gain valuable experience. “For many of them, it’s their last step before entering the workforce,” Reitzel noted.

Last year, the Museum hosted its first History & Culture Roundtable, bringing together organizations through the St. Clair County Cultural Alliance. The goal was to share resources, champion collaboration, and strengthen the region’s collective cultural impact.

Through all of these efforts, the Port Huron Museum continues to evolve as a living, breathing part of the Blue Water community. It’s a place where history isn’t just preserved, but felt, shared, and carried forward.

Keep the Museums Alive Through Support

Community members can support the Museum’s purpose and mission by becoming a member, making a donation, sponsoring exhibits or events, attending programs, or simply visiting and sharing their experiences. Every connection, every story, and every visit helps keep history alive for generations to come.

For more information about Port Huron Museums and its programs, please visit Port Huron Museum’s website at PortHuronMuseums.org.