Port Sanilac, MI (April 2nd) — The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is proud to announce a season of remarkable
achievements and recognition, signaling a strong start to 2025 and a bright future ahead.
Record-Breaking Online Auction Raises Over $16,000
In February, the Museum hosted its most successful Online Auction to date, thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, community members, and enthusiastic bidders. The fundraiser shattered previous records, raising over $16,000—an impressive 8% of the organization’s annual operating budget. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters for making this possible,” said Museum staff. “These funds are a vital step forward, but we still have a full year of exciting events and fundraising opportunities ahead. Stay tuned—or better yet, become a member to be the first to hear about how you can engage with and support your local museum.”
Bridging Michigan Grant to Fund ‘A Walk Through History’
The Museum was recently awarded a $2,500 Bridging Michigan Grant from Michigan Humanities. Spearheaded by Sanilac County Historical Society Board Member Gene Denison, this grant will fund a new project titled A Walk Through History, which will feature outdoor interpretive panels throughout the museum grounds. These panels will tell stories from different eras of Sanilac County’s rich history. The required match for this grant was proudly raised in part through proceeds from the February online auction.
Major Grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC)
In addition, the Museum has received a $27,550 Mission Support grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, with $9,000 designated for the Museum’s upcoming Pavilion Epicenter Project. This ambitious capital project will cost $30,000 in total and will serve as a key gathering space on the museum’s grounds. Additional contributions, including $6,000 raised in memory of longtime volunteer Shirley Schmidt, have brought the project halfway to its funding goal. The Museum is actively seeking further donations and sponsorships to complete the project. Leading the effort is Utz Schmidt, a dedicated volunteer and professional engineer, whose award-winning service has shaped nearly every aspect of the museum’s physical development. From relocating the historic Forestville Church to restoring a WWII troop train car, Schmidt’s vision and leadership continue to transform the museum into a regional treasure.
Museum Wins 2025 Peninsulas Prize for Community Engagement
Adding to the momentum, the Michigan Museums Association has selected the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum as the 2025 recipient of the Peninsulas Prize for Community Engagement. Nominated by Cathy Stewart of the Port Sanilac Area Business Association, the Museum was chosen for its outstanding work in creating inclusive and impactful programming that engages underrepresented community groups. This prestigious statewide award reflects the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, education, and connection.
These milestones reflect the growing recognition of the Museum’s dedication to preserving local history, fostering community, and providing enriching experiences for all who visit. As always, the Sanilac County Historical Society extends heartfelt thanks to its volunteers, donors, members, and supporters for making it all possible.
The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is located at 228 S. Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac. For more information visit www.sanilaccountymuseum.org or on Facebook at “Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum”, or call the office at 810.622.9946
