Whether you’re looking to learn about science, history or just hide from the summer heat, Washtenaw County has a plethora of places to go. With many of our local museums being free entry with a wide range of topics, there is something for everyone!
Local history and culture
If you are interested in community organizing or local history then check out these museums!
African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
(Ann Arbor)- Free Entry. aachm.org
At AACHM, curators and local community members seek to showcase the histories of African American culture in Washtenaw county. From Fredrick Douglass’s visits to Ypsilanti to the Great Migration, AACHM focuses on the economic, cultural and societal impacts of injustice and liberation. Currently, their exhibits are “Black in Bicentennial,” an exhibit that explores Black roots in Washtenaw County and their continuation in the modern day, and “Woodlawn Cemetery Restoration Project,” an exhibit focusing on restoring dignity and notoriety, in a historical Black cemetery. The AACHM focuses heavily on events and community involvement. From showcasing local art created by high school students studying history to hosting a Unity Walk educating about local Underground Railroad sites. As they explain on their website, “African American history often lives in the boxes, attics, closets and basements of private homes in family collections.” The AACHM brings that history into the spotlight.
Museum on Main Street
(Ann Arbor)- Free Entry. washtenawhistory.org/exhibits
After the lot of a historical home in Ann Arbor was purchased by the University of Michigan and the building was at risk of being demolished, concerned citizens argued for the preservation of the building. As a result, the wooden townhouse was removed from its foundations and driven through the streets of downtown. This building would become the Museum on Main. The very creation of the museum was an act of preserving local history, making it all the more fitting that the purpose of the building is now to educate on the history of Washtenaw County. The exhibits of the home are ever rotating between different local topics. Currently they are showcasing the history of UoM’s Medical School in celebration of their 175th anniversary. In previous exhibits they have explored the local waterways and the history of the Kiwanis Club.
Science and history
If you are interested in biology, geology, the ancient world or outer space, then consider the places below!
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry. lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/visitors/exhibits.html#FeaturedExhibits
Mammoths, Protozoa, Tyrannosaurus and Quetzalcoatlus. Interactive exhibits, rotating lessons, and a journey back through time. The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History takes eons of history and condenses it into a singular building, a timeline you can walk through on a hot summer afternoon. With plaster casts and real fossils, dioramas and more, the Museum of Natural history is somewhere that allows for discovery time and time again. In addition, their exhibits appeal to a wide range of ages. Some activities are designed for littles to are just beginning to develop interests. Other activities are designed for older teens and adults who are looking for higher amounts of detail. Always free and always fun, The Museum of Natural history is a mainstay in Washtenaw County summer fun.
Hands On Museum
(Ann Arbor) Prices vary by age. discoverscienceandnature.org
For anyone who has stared longingly into a display case, knowing that to touch is to be removed from the premises, the Hands On Museum is for you. Designed for sensory exploration, the museum has exhibits for a range of ages, interests, and ability. For practice applying real world skills children can experiment with running a model store. They collaborate with the Leslie Science Center to bring in live critters. Finally for the littles who might still be citizens of the stroller, there is music to listen to, textures to feel, and bright colors to watch. One of the core principals of the Hands On Museum is the idea of exploration. Kids are invited to engage in ways that are natural to them. Hands ON!
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry. lsa.umich.edu/kelsey
The Kelsey Museum works closely with students and faculty at the University of Michigan in teaching and research. Their permanent exhibits include relics from ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. Some highlights of the collection include a recreation of a Villa in Pompei, a coffin from the Saite Period and a marble head of Silenus. In addition, the Kelsey Museum also offers scavenger hunts for guests. These worksheets take guests on a tour of the museum and through different eras of ancient history. The hunts are designed for younger guests. For those with a competitive edge, a scavenger hunt could be the key to keeping everyone engaged and ready to explore.
Careers and industry:
For those interested in specific careers such as photography, dentistry or agriculture, check out the specialized museums below!
Argus Museum
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry. argusmuseum.org/history-of-the-museum
Housed in the former home of International Radio Corporation, The Argus Museum in downtown Ann Arbor is the go to place for anyone looking to learn more about cameras. During World War II Argus cameras were used during the war effort for collecting photographic evidence and sighting devices. The museum showcases local history of employee records, archived newspapers and oral histories. The museum also focuses on the history of photography as an artistic medium. Their gallery showcases photographers such as Adrian Wylie and collaborations with the Yankee Air Museum. The core mission of the Argus Museum is to highlight the impact of Argus cameras in art, history, and community.
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
(Ypsilanti) Prices vary by age. ypsiautoheritage.org/index.php/come-visit.
Nostalgia aside, there is just something special about old cars. The classic 1970s convertible flying down the highway, the bug eyed 1950s Chevrolet, and of course, the ever lovely Ford Model T. For anyone interested in Michigan’s legacy in the automobile industry, mechanic or just enjoys looking at a classic body job, YAHM might be the stop for you. At $5 per person with under 12 free, YAHM provides informative and interactive experiences for anyone interested in automobiles.
The Michigan Firehouse Museum
(Ypsilanti) Prices vary by age. michiganfirehousemuseum.org/events/#calendar.
Regardless of if it’s 1885 or 2026, a knocked over candle means the same thing: out of control blazes and the people who fight them. Located on Cross Street, in Ypsilanti Michigan, the Michigan Firehouse Museum is dedicated to teaching about the heritage of firemen. Among the collected include antique fire rigs, old alarm systems, and restored firehouse itself. The Michigan Firehouse Museum is also heavily involved in the community. They host events such as the Michigan Wine Festival and events dedicated to teaching about fire safety. The museum is open from Thursday through Sunday from 12-4pm. Rates start at $15 for ages 13+, $5 ages 3-12, free ages 3-, with discounts for students, seniors, and service members.
Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry:
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry: sindecusemuseum.org/tours-programming
Going to the dentist can be a huge source of anxiety. There’s a level of unknown regarding what’s happening and why there is a need to poke pink gums with a sharp needle. However, understanding is one of the fastest cures for fear. The Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry is one of the few collections in the world dedicated to preserving the history of dentistry. The exhibits include explorations of cultural elements of dentistry such as the Tooth Fairy or tooth modification. They also include exhibits dedicated to showing the history of the field such as an exhibit regarding Detroit’s dental manufacturing companies. The museum does tours for students, families of five or more and staff groups. The tours are geared toward those of older ages with higher reading levels. Becoming a dentist takes over half-a-dozen years. Getting some background information regarding the field might be a good place to start.
Rentschler Farm Museum:
(Saline) Prices vary by age. salinehistory.org/history-of-society-1
Not all time capsules are buried. Just east of Salin, the Rentschler showcases farmlife during the 1900-1950s. The Rentschler consists of 14 structures built while the land still served as a farm. The museum allows for self guided tours and hosted events. Run by the Saline Area Historical Society, the museum acts as a means of educating youth on historical lifestyles. Safeguarding the past for future generations to enjoy. The past 100 years have been awfully eventful. Places like the Rentschler prevent that past from being washed away with the rain.
Art
For those with a creative or artistic flair, consider checking out the collections below!
Cluster
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry: clustermuseum.org/exhibitions
For those interested in contemporary and alternative art, Cluster might be just the place for you. You might have seen them recently at the Ann Arbor Public Library’s Comic Arts festival. Cluster hosts exhibitions from conceptually based artists, art vendors and community literary/artistic events. Their core mission is to provide a space for work outside of the traditional venues of universities or foundations. That art is meant to be something that grows and changes. Currently they are hosting the show entitled, “In the Shadow of the Hand.” This show presents the printmakers Lynne Avadenka and Emmy Bright, illustrator Michael King Jr., paper maker Matt Schlian, and textile artist Amanda Thatch. The show will run until August 8. The Cluster Museum serves as a unique and highly independent part of the Ann Arbor artist’s scene.
UMMA
(Ann Arbor) Free Entry: umma.umich.edu
Marble sculptures, vibrant oil paintings, piercing photography, altars covered in gold and mirrors. At the University of Michigan Museum of Art there is something for everyone. The museum contains both rotating exhibits that showcase the art of today and a varied permanent collection. The museum is always free and serves as a tool for art education from the elementary to collegiate level. While UMMA is currently undergoing renovations, three floors outside are still available for viewing. The Alumni Memorial Hall is currently closed for repairs with promises to reopen with more spaces for exhibition!
