Our Mission
The mission of the Chippewa County Historical Society is to promote an appreciation of the history of the Upper Peninsula, in particular that of Chippewa County and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, by collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting that history for audiences of all ages and interests.
The
Chippewa County Genealogical
Society (CCGS) partnered with the Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS) in
September 2018 for the mutual benefit of both. In partnering, the CCGS came
underneath the umbrella of CCHS and continues to exist for the purposes of assisting individuals in genealogical research pursuits; collecting and aiding
in the preservation of Chippewa County records of genealogical value; and for
maintaining and growing a collection of books, photographs and other documents
pertinent to the history of individuals and families whose lives touched our
country.
The Beginning
The CCHS traces its beginning to 1919 when Judge Charles H. Chapman helped start the Chippewa Historical Society. Eventually, the organization's name was changed to Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS), but its essential mission remained the same, to preserve the history and heritage of Chippewa County.
The Society quickly started collecting books, pictures, documents, furnishings, and artifacts related to the county's past. It maintained its collections with the assistance of the Carnegie Library, now Bayliss Public Library and the various people committed to the organization.
Reorganization - Rededication
In 1995, the Chippewa County Historical Society reorganized and rededicated itself to the original preservation, educational, and cooperative goals of the organization.
By 1997, a temporary home was found and the collections were brought back together.
After further growth, an important objective was realized when CCHS purchased the historic News Building at 115 Ashmun Street, as a permanent home for the Society. By 2007, the first floor of the building was renovated and the collections and the operational offices of the Society were moved in. The final payment was made on the mortgage on the building, achieving sole ownership in 2013
In 2015, the Façade Restoration Project was undertaken, with financial assistance from governmental sources and generous contributions from the membership and the public at large.