The Honolulu House Museum is one of 6 museums that can be toured during Free Museum Day.

Free Museum Day!

As a gift to tourists and residents alike, local museums in Marshall are open free to the public on Saturday, May 18, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Honolulu House, 107 North Kalamazoo Avenue, was built in 1860 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic American Buildings Survey. A private residence until 1951, the home is a unique combination of Gothic revival, Italianate and Polynesian influences. The museum has been extensively restored to the house’s original 1880’s splendor.

Walters Gasoline Museum, 220 West Michigan Avenue, is a tribute to the role of transportation in Midwestern American life. This collection of memorabilia relates to cars, service stations and the history of Marshall. The museum is located at the old Marshall Interurban Railway Depot built in 1903.

Marshall Historical Museum/GAR Hall, 402 East Michigan Avenue, was built to honor Marshall area veterans of the Civil War and as a meeting place for its veterans and their sons. The museum also highlights goods made in Marshall such as the Hinkle Automatic Theater and a folding wooden bathtub.

American Museum of Magic, 107 East Michigan Avenue, houses treasures from Houdini, Thurston and Michigan’s own Blackstone, among hundreds of magicians from around the world. This collection of magic artifacts on public display is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

United States Postal Service Museum, 202 East Michigan Avenue with entrance on South Madison Street has the largest collection of U.S. postal memorabilia outside of the Smithsonian Institute. The museum features thousands of items spanning the entire history of U.S. mail delivery including antique equipment, photographs and educational displays.

Capitol Hill School, 602 Washington Street, is a slice of bygone Americana showcasing education in the days before modern technology. Built in 1860, the school served as a learning center for 100 years and still hosts schoolchildren for hands-on demonstrations of the classrooms of yesteryear.

Governor’s Mansion Museum, 612 South Marshall, is a celebrated piece of early Marshall history. Built in 1839 to be the residence of the state’s chief executive in anticipation of Marshall becoming the capital of Michigan. The Greek revival dwelling never housed a governor since Lansing was chosen to be the capital. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic American Buildings Survey.

The Welcome Center, 323 West Michigan Avenue, is open everyday to guests and residents. Brochures and maps of the area are available to promote Marshall and all the city has to offer. Visit www.choosemarshall.com, call 269-781-5163 or email info@marshallaeda.org. Public restrooms on the east end of city hall are open during the day for your convenience.

Related Stories