Welcome to Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place
9991 Marilla Rd., Copemish MI
Preserving the past for the future
Museum Hours
Marilla Museum Director & Board President step down after decades of service
Marilla Museum Director & Board President step down after decades of service
Open hours:
- Saturdays 1-4 pm (May-October)
- Tuesdays 1-4 pm (year around)
1870's Pioneer Log Home filled with period artifacts.
Hunter-trapper-logger Cabin with pelts, traps and rustic living items.
A 1900's Mortise & Tenon Barn contains tools from farming, logging and railroads.
1920 Two-room schoolhouse (main museum) housing a miniature village of Marilla, pioneer artifacts, family history archives, and more.
Marilla Museum Director & Board President step down after decades of service
Marilla Museum Director & Board President step down after decades of service
Marilla Museum Director & Board President step down after decades of service
Bob and Jan Thomas have been influential residents of Marilla Township since the 70s.
"There is no doubt that the Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place would not be in the great shape that is is in today without the tireless energy and dedication of Jan & Bob," current MHS Board Preseident Douglas Glick commented. For their years of service to the promotion of the history of Marilla Township through dedication, research, great events, and intelligent and kind service, we are forever grateful.
View the Quiltblocks of Marilla
Did you know that there are now 3 quiltblocks for the public to visit in Marilla Township? Click to learn more.
Location
9991 Marilla Road, Copemish, MI
You will find the Museum in the heart of beautiful Marilla Township, between Mesick and Copemish, 5 miles south of M-115.
About Us
The Museum & Pioneer Place
In 1980, the Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place began in the lower level of the Marilla School that was built in 1920. The school was no longer used beginning in 1948. The upper level is now used as the Township’s government and community center. Beginning in the early 1990s, a great deal of expansion began. Over a period of 12 years, the museum grew to include a beautifully restored two story 1870s log home, a large 1900 barn, and a full-size replica hunter-trapper logger’s cabin. Each home is fully furnished and reflects early rural pioneer living. The Pioneer Barn contains many farm machines and implements, displays representing Marilla’s rich logging history, and other items relating to the communities early formative years.
(Photo of mortise and tenon barn with tourism trail quilt)
History Lives in You!
The Marilla Historical Society was formed in 1980 in order to preserve and celebrate Marilla Township’s pioneering traditions rooted in logging and agriculture. We are a volunteer-run organization and we rely on donations to operate. We invite you to join us in preserving this local history.
The organization maintains the Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place.
(Photo of Nel's Trapper's Cabin)
Who We Are:
Marilla Historical Society Governing Board
Douglas A. Glick, MHS President
Lynda O'Shea, Vice President & Clerk
Alissa Aparicio, Treasurer
P.O. Box 234, Kaleva, MI 49645
TJ Howes, Trustee
Susan Vegter, Trustee
Maureen Carlson, Trustee
If you have questions about donating an artifact to the Society or about a scheduled event, please email at the address above.
Emeritus Board
Mary Esther Brooks, Founder
Betty Buda-Joy, Founder
Grace Fisk, Founder
Rita Russell, Founder
Terry & Phyllis Cholette
Dixie Howes
Terry Howes
Sonny Rewerts
Bob Thomas
Jan Thomas, Archivist
Art Wilbur
Show your love of history with a donation today
Your membership contribution or general donation enables us to meet our goals and preserve local history for future generations.
- Make a general donation with the button below
- Learn how to become a member
- Read our newsletter
