Local History Resources
The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center strives to preserve local history and inspire learning. We do this, in part, through commitment to care for regionally-significant collections including archival records, personal and business papers, photographs, artwork, maps, and artifacts. We also prepare exhibits and undertake research projects to share history with the community.
Archives
The material in our Archives focuses on the Saugatuck-Douglas area, roughly from Pier Cove/Ganges/Fennville to the south, west to New Richmond/East Saugatuck, and north to Laketown Township. Our notable collections include:
- Local art
- Burr Tillstrom of “Kukla, Fran and Ollie” fame
- Singapore – Michigan’s imaginary Pompeii
- The Forward Movement Camp/Camp Gray/Presbyterian Camps
- Nautical history
- Property files – collected information about individual street addresses
- Postcards and tourism memorabilia
- Saugatuck-Douglas at Mid-Century – 6000 photos by William Simmons
- Carl Hoerman architectural drawings
Location & Contact
2nd story, History Center, Douglas
Current Hours: Monday afternoons, 1:00 – 5:00pm and by appointment.
Email [email protected] or call 269-857-7901 for an appointment.
More Resources!
As well as the Archives, there are several other ways the History Center can help you engage with our local history.
Online Hub
The “CatalogIt HUB” provides easy access to an inventory of our collections. Most entries include images; many have extensive descriptions.
Genealogy
Research family history using material from our Archives as well as external resources.
Exhibitions
Learn about current and past exhibitions at the History Center and Museum.
Projects
Take a look at the kinds of projects that have kept the History Center busy.
Additional Items
Resources that fall outside the other categories of the website.
Become a Member
Your membership supports our exhibits and educational opportunities which contribute to the health of our tourist-based community. The History Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization with membership open to all.