Welcome to Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place
9991 Marilla Rd., Copemish MI
Preserving the past for the future
Museum Hours
Quiltblocks of Marilla
Quiltblocks of Marilla
Open hours:
- Tuesdays 1-4 pm (year around)
- Saturdays 1-4 pm (May-October)
1920 Two-room schoolhouse (main museum) housing a miniature village of Marilla, pioneer artifacts, family history archives, and much more.
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.
Quiltblocks of Marilla
Quiltblocks of Marilla
Quiltblocks of Marilla
Did you know that there are now 3 quiltblocks for the public to visit in Marilla Township? Click to learn more.
The Quilt Trail of Manistee County provides a delightful opportunity to visit more than 10 unique quilt blocks while meandering through the beautiful countryside and villages of the county. For a map and more info, visit allartsmanistee.com/quilt-trail
Thank you Bob and Jan Thomas
Bob and Jan Thomas have been influential residents of Marilla Township since the 70s. After decades of service, they have stepped down from their positions on the Marilla Historical Society Board. They continue to serve as docents and Jan as archivist.
Location
9991 Marilla Road, Copemish, MI
You will find Marilla Museum & Pioneer Place 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 and used as a school until 1948. The upper level is now the Township’s government and community center. The lower level houses the main museum.
(Photo of former Marilla School, now museum and township hall)
Tour Historic Buildings
Beginning in the early 1990s, 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 features displays representing Marilla’s rich logging history, farm machines and tools, and other items relating to the community's 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 rely on donations to operate. We invite you to join us in preserving this local history by becoming a member.
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
