In 2014 the Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) had a vision for a new facility that would not only provide expanded space for exhibits but would also provide the community with a space to gather and to celebrate. Over the past decade, the former Baptist Church has been remodeled for museum exhibits while ideas simmered for future expansion and increased uses.
The PHS recently announced that the silent phase of its capital campaign in the past few years has raised more than $800,000 of the $1,500,000 needed for the construction of an expansion building on its current location. The current museum site will accommodate a new attached exhibit space and a separate outdoor pavilion in a U-shaped formation to create a generous garden space in the center of the site. Now past the half-way mark of its fundraising goal, the PHS is asking the public for contributions to make its dream a reality.
The timetable calls for construction to begin in early 2026 with the new building ready for exhibits and artifacts in the fall of 2026, and the completed complex open in the 2027 season. Local builder Dave Slachter will manage the design and construction of Phase 1 in cooperation with a team headed by resident Norm Shotwell. Local resident Steve Bass has been heavily involved with the design and shared the plans at a recent Pentwater Service Club meeting. Anyone wishing to view the design and ideas, or make a donation, can do so at the website, www.pentwaterhistoricalsociety...
The enthusiasm for the new facility is matched by an enthusiasm for new displays and new purposes. Journeys to Pentwater is a recent display based on interviews with local residents about their connection to the village. Oral interviews have been conducted with 15 or 20 individuals, and there are plans to do several more. The interviews are combined with personal and archival photos, news clippings, readings and period relics to create short videos to tell the story of how the featured family “came to Pentwater.” Some of the narratives are based on what we know of Pentwater’s first citizens, and the videos are narrated by a local Pentwater resident.
Each story captures what the village was like at a particular time in history. Different generations are being tapped. The display currently tells three journeys in the 19th century, three journeys in the 20th century, and two journeys in the 21st century. Since the format is flexible, the hope is to add new stories to the content each year. A push of the button puts you back in time.
PHS Board member Beth Russell is particularly excited about the new educational program for which former Pentwater history teacher Rick Magrath is developing a curriculum. The program will be geared for all grade levels and be available for all Oceana County students.
The curriculum will focus on local history as a microcosm of the history in West Michigan, and more broadly in the nation. It begins with the lumber industry, examines the development of different modes of transportation, the move to agriculture and tourism, and changes in shipping from sailing to steamships, including hybrid ships. When it is finished, it will add a wonderful dimension to education in Oceana County.
Quoting the recent PHS newsletter, “This expansion is more than just bricks and mortar. It is the continuation of a promise – to preserve and share Pentwater’s rich heritage, while creating a welcoming space for community events, education, and celebration.”
