The Howell Area Historical Society
Originally established in 1968 as the Livingston County Historical Society, members soon realized that it would be a daunting task to maintain the history for the entire county. It was later decided to narrow the focus to preservation of the history of the Howell area.
Mission Statement:
To preserve and restore the building as a fine
example of a commercial building from a period
of the community's history.
To present to the community a museum and interpretation site for
local and historical artifacts.
To seek to be a community resource for local
historical knowledge.
To seek to educate the community and each
generation about the local history and heritage.
To cooperate and assist other historical societies in their
missions.
To seek to preserve the only museum open to the public in the city
of Howell.
Mission Statement:
To preserve and restore the building as a fine
example of a commercial building from a period
of the community's history.
To present to the community a museum and interpretation site for
local and historical artifacts.
To seek to be a community resource for local
historical knowledge.
To seek to educate the community and each
generation about the local history and heritage.
To cooperate and assist other historical societies in their
missions.
To seek to preserve the only museum open to the public in the city
of Howell.
The Depot and Museum
A brief history of the train line and depot can be found on the
"Railroad and Depot" section of our website. When, in 1951, passenger service ceased and most of the accessory buildings subsequently removed, the depot was in limited use.
Over time, the depot was left vacant and dedicated members of the Historical Society showed their determination to save the depot by raising the necessary $2,500 on a single Saturday by hosting a "gala day" and a big farm auction. Purchased by the Historical Society on January 30, 1970 from the Ann Arbor Railroad, renovation of the space began and the Depot Museum became a reality.
Today, the depot houses a replica of a general store taken out of the 1890's. On display is
everything from paper collars to moustache cups and high button shoes. The station master's office has been left almost untouched. Railroad buffs will be particularly interested in its old telegraph key, hand-operated signal levers and collection of lanterns. Historical artifacts include items from both WWI and WWII and much more. The Philip Livingston Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution museum collection originally housed in the Howell Carnegie Library became the base on which the museum grew.
The Depot was listed on both the State Register of Historical sites and the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and 1971, the first structure in Howell to be so recognized.
In 1988, the depot was recognized as a significant structure by the then City of Howell Historical Commission.
"Railroad and Depot" section of our website. When, in 1951, passenger service ceased and most of the accessory buildings subsequently removed, the depot was in limited use.
Over time, the depot was left vacant and dedicated members of the Historical Society showed their determination to save the depot by raising the necessary $2,500 on a single Saturday by hosting a "gala day" and a big farm auction. Purchased by the Historical Society on January 30, 1970 from the Ann Arbor Railroad, renovation of the space began and the Depot Museum became a reality.
Today, the depot houses a replica of a general store taken out of the 1890's. On display is
everything from paper collars to moustache cups and high button shoes. The station master's office has been left almost untouched. Railroad buffs will be particularly interested in its old telegraph key, hand-operated signal levers and collection of lanterns. Historical artifacts include items from both WWI and WWII and much more. The Philip Livingston Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution museum collection originally housed in the Howell Carnegie Library became the base on which the museum grew.
The Depot was listed on both the State Register of Historical sites and the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and 1971, the first structure in Howell to be so recognized.
In 1988, the depot was recognized as a significant structure by the then City of Howell Historical Commission.
Caboose
Added to the Society's collection in 2011, this circa 1888 Grand Trunk wooden caboose has made its way back to Howell through the generous donation of the D. L. Kessler Construction Company of Dewitt, Michigan. Many will remember in years past, seeing this caboose near the hospital.
