"The new museum will provide a compelling reason for visitors to extend their stay in northern Michigan. We’re intensely proud of our history as told through this fabulous collection. We can’t wait to showcase it in a way that fully honors the subject matter and the people represented."
-Connie Litzner, Past Mayor, City of St. Ignace
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We have thousands of unique, unusual and rare treasures in our collection. Each has been preserved from the ravages of time. Our visitors experience times and places long past as they explore the rich stories told by our collection.
Long-term preservation requires the right environment. Unfortunately, the Fort de Buade building is the wrong one. We must move our collection to a building with proper climate control to preserve it for future generations.
Many of the oldest buildings in St. Ignace have been destroyed. However, at least one jewel remains: the Walker Furniture building. Built in 1970, this iconic landmark housed the last decades of retail activity for Walker Furniture. Now its timeless elegance and historic charm will be preserved, as the Michilimackinac Historical Society renovates and renews it. We will reopen the building as the Straits Cultural Center.
What will this mean for St. Ignace?
Revitalizing a historic landmark that has been closed since 2013
Expanding the Straits Cultural Center season in spring and fall, thanks to heat and air-conditioning
Spurring destination tourism for history buffs, who will shop, dine and stay in St. Ignace
Creating a community space for school trips and events
The new Straights Cultural Center will feature:
· 11,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space – nearly double the previous location
· Accessibility for people with disabilities, including an elevator to the second floor
· Multiple interactive exhibits by an award-winning exhibit designer
· Flexible meeting and programming space
· A Museum Store