By The Sanilac County Historical Society
Sanilac County, MI (July 26th) — The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is pleased to announce over $68,000 in recent funding from a coalition of donors, foundations, and state grants. This support is driving forward a wide range of improvements, from vital infrastructure and a newly improved educational exhibit to local arts integration—all reinforcing the museum’s mission to preserve and share the rich history of Sanilac County and the greater Thumb region.
Major Donor Contributions Strengthen Core Projects
Recent contributions include:
- Liz Blondy – $7,500 toward the Pavilion Epicenter Project
- The Weller Family Foundation – $20,000 toward the Pavilion Epicenter
- The Bellis Foundation – $10,000 in general operating support
- Curt and Linda Backus – $5,000 for infrastructure upgrades and utilities
- Sanilac County Community Foundation (Sarkella Family Fund) – $5,000 to enhance the Blacksmith Shop for future educational workshops
These generous gifts are already in use to:
- Install direct burial electric service to the Huckins Schoolhouse
- Add power pedestals along the forest trail for enhanced Holiday Lighted Trail displays
- Bring electricity to the Decker Barn, improving year-round storage and operations
- Upgrade the Blacksmith Shop’s electrical system, with a gravel pathway underway for improved visitor access. Gravel was laid out by services of Shawn Earl’s Miracle Lawn Care
All electrical work is being completed by Krause Electric of Sandusky, a trusted local contractor partnering with the museum on these historic infrastructure upgrades.
In addition, the Pavilion Epicenter—soon to serve as the museum’s gathering and event hub—will receive its first protective paint coating thanks to Larry’s Decorating Inc. of Deckerville, led by Chad Hooper. This finishing touch will help protect the brand-new structure from the elements and prepare it for years of use.
America250MI Grant to Launch “Echoes of Sanilac”
The Sanilac County Historical Society has also been awarded a $25,000 America250MI History Grant from the Michigan History Center to fund a new exhibit:
🗺️ Echoes of Sanilac: The Story of Michigan’s Thumb
This project will bring local and regional history to life through:
- Outdoor interpretive signage across the museum campus
- A traveling retractable-banner exhibit for schools, libraries, and community venues
- A new interactive webpage with historical timelines and digital access to the exhibit content
“This project is all about making the history of Sanilac County—and the broader Thumb region—more accessible, visible, and engaging,” said Dan Finn, Administrator of the Historical Society, in a recent interview with Sanilac County News.
The exhibit is set to launch in 2025, with a dedication ceremony planned for 2026.
Public Art Enhances Visitor Experience
The Sanilac Consortium for the Arts has approved a $500 grant to support local artist Joyce Coyne, who will paint mini-murals depicting the Historic Village on the windowpanes of the public restrooms located next to the Barn Theatre. This creative addition will enhance the beauty and storytelling of the museum grounds through locally inspired public art.
Investing in Preservation, Education, and Community Culture
With 17 historic buildings on 10 acres, the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for the region. These generous investments reflect a growing recognition of the museum’s importance and ensure that the stories of Sanilac County will continue to be told for generations to come.
For more information, to donate, or to become a member, visit www.sanilaccountymuseum.org or follow the museum on Facebook.
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.
