Top 3 Must-See Museums

While Marshall is known for its picturesque downtown and outdoor activities, the town also boasts a surprising array of fascinating museums. Here are three that you simply can’t miss:=

American Museum of Magic

For a truly unique experience, head to the American Museum of Magic. Since 1978, the American Museum of Magic has celebrated magicians and their magic. It holds the stories and treasures of performers that entertained residents of the smallest communities and audiences in the grandest theaters. Located in the heart of downtown Marshall, Michigan, the museum boasts the largest collection of magical artifacts open to the public. Thousands of artifacts illuminate the stories of Houdini, Blackstone, Thurston, and many others. It has been described as “the Smithsonian of American magic. “You might even catch a live magic performance!

Honolulu House Museum

The Honolulu House Museum stands in the heart of Marshall’s National Historic Landmark District and is listed on the Historic American Buildings Survey. It was built in 1860 by Abner Pratt, a former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and United States Consul to Hawaii. The house was styled to be reminiscent of where he lived during his time in Hawaii. Pratt even had the walls of the house painted in tropical scenes. In 1887, a new owner updated the interior murals to reflect a high Victorian style instead of the original tropical flora and fauna.

In the 1960s, the Marshall Historical Society obtained the house and secured its future as a museum. Through the extensive efforts of the Society, it has been brought back to the 1880s elegance that visitors can enjoy today.

Governor’s Mansion Museum

For a taste of Michigan’s political history, visit the Governor’s Mansion Museum.James Wright Gordon moved to the Marshall area in 1835 and by 1839 he was a well-known attorney and politician. He was confident that Marshall would become the state capitol and that he would be Governor. In anticipation of his win, he built what we now call the Governor’s Mansion Museum high atop what the city called ‘Capitol Hill’. In a primary vote for the Whig party, he came in second, that put him on the ballot as lieutenant governor with Woodbridge running for governor. And they won. But the next year Woodbridge was appointed to the US Senate Seat so in 1841, J. Wright Gordon, the lieutenant governor, became Michigan’s third Governor.

Since the term for governor at that time was only two years, he was governor for just one. But in that year, he was the first Michigan Governor to pardon a convicted slave.

After his term as Governor, he continued to live with his family in this house and worked as an attorney in the region. This included being active with Marshall’s Crosswhite Case in 1847. After this he was appointed US Consul to Brazil in 1850. In December of 1850, word came back that he had died in Pernambuco, Brazil.

His family continued to live in this house until the 1880s then remained as a private home until the 1960s. At that point the Mary Marshall Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution agreed to take over the membership and the museum and has continued for over fifty years now.

These three museums offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a magic enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique outing, Marshall’s museums are sure to captivate and delight.

For more information about these and other museums, visit choosemarshall.com.