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ABOUT OCHGS

In 1967 the Oceana County Historical Society was first formed.  In 1974 the Swift Lathers house in Mears was given by his family for a museum.  The genealogy chapter of OCHS was added in 1983 and the name was changed to the Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society (OCHGS).  In 1984, the OCHGS acquired the historic Chadwick Munger Home in Hart for use as its headquarters and genealogical library.

 

The OCHGS operates as a non-profit organization run by its board of directors and volunteers. One of their main goals is to preserve the history of Oceana County and its residents.

 

The funds received from research fees, membership dues, and donations are used to keep their research center, museum, and society functioning. 

OCEANA COUNTY HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

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114 DRYDEN ST | HART, MI  49420

HOURS:  WEDNESDAYS | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Constructed in 1892, the castle-like stone residence at the intersection of Lincoln and Dryden was designed and built by Dr. H.J. Chadwick, a resident whose passion for medicine led him to depart from his beloved town.

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Residing in the house for six decades were Louis and Edith Munger. While she was a naturalist, he was a doctor and orchardist. Together, they made a lasting impact on their local community and the broader world.

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In 1984, the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society acquired the property as its headquarters, now housing one of the most extensive historical records collections in the State of Michigan.

 

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MUSEUM  & HISTORICAL PARK
 

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5698 W FOX RD | MEARS, MI  49436

HOURS:  SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS | 1:00 - 4:00 PM  (JUN - AUG)

In 1974 the Swift Lathers home in Mears was donated by the family to be used as a museum. Since that small beginning, the museum has grown into a Historical Park featuring a series of historical buildings:​

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  • Swift Lathers Home

  • Swedish Church

  • Transportation Museum

  • Boynton Cottage

  • Tool Museum

  • Robinson Museum

  • Trapper Ralph's Cabin

  • Agricultural Building​

  • Old Town Hall

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The Historical Park and Museums are available for self-guided audio tours using Guide by Cell, on Saturdays & Sundays from June through August from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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MEETS 3RD TUESDAY | MONTHLY @ 2:00 PM
114 DRYDEN ST | HART, MI  49420

OFFICERS

  • Paul Erickson, President 

  • Carl Wiegand, Vice President 

  • Sharon Hallack, Recording Secretary 

  • Amanda Dodge, Corresponding Secretary

  • Dennis Gale, Treasurer

  • Walter Urick, Past President

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BOARD MEMBERS
 

  • Tina Kinsley

  • Dean Gentel

  • Jeff Lathers

  • Karen Urick

  • Mort Wiegand

  • Brad Moul

  • Georgia Dennison

  • Larry Osborne

  • Ron Rash

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Interested in getting involved?

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