Welcome to the Hamburg Historical Museum

August 26, 2009

Plans for railroad fest steam ahead

By Frank Konkel
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

The Hamburg Festival and Railroad Days celebration is steamrolling along.

On Sept. 12, Hamburg will revisit its 20th century roots, playing host to the historical Pere Marquette 1225 steam engine in addition to numerous other community activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the eighth year, the festival is set up to provide a day of fun and a few history lessons for its residents and visitors alike.

"Basically, the purpose of the festival is to celebrate the history of Hamburg in a sense that we were known at the turn of the 20th century as the village with two railroads," said Hamburg Historical Museum Director Suzanne Hines. "It's something everybody can come down and enjoy, whether they're riding the steam engine or learning about our history."

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Pere Marquette 1225 steam engine, available for the day courtesy of the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso. At 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., area residents will have the opportunity to ride in an actual steam engine for "about an hour" each trip. Tickets may be available the day of the event for $25, but Hines said the only sure way to guarantee a seat aboard the same steam engine that inspired the look of the locomotive in "The Polar Express" movie is to order online at www.mstrp.com.

Each ride will have room for 330 passengers.

"This is how people used to get around a century ago," Hines said. "Trains were very important to our village back then, and I think it's great for people to be able to see that in person. It gives people the opportunity to experience what people experienced 100 years ago."

At the turn of the century, the Grand Trunk Railroad — now the Lakelands Trail — and the Ann Arbor Railroad crossed tracks at Hamburg. In the summer, the trains brought tourist and summer-home visitors to the area; in winter, the Ann Arbor Railroad was used primarily for harvesting ice in the area and shipping it south to other railroad hubs like Toledo.

The steam engine experience won't be the only way for those who attend to learn about Hamburg. Several activities throughout the day will keep visitors busy.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be walking tours covering historical local buildings, and the Hamburg Historical Museum will also reveal a few new displays. The museum will also hold a farm market throughout the afternoon, in addition to horseshoe demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

St. Stephens Episcopal Church will also get in on the historical action, hosting a bake sale, quilt show and children's games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hines said St. Stephens, established in 1844, is the second-oldest Episcopal church in Michigan, so it's only natural to explore its rich history, too.

For more information on Hamburg Festival and Railroad Days, call the Hamburg Historical Museum at (810) 986-0190.

Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Frank Konkel at (517) 552-2835 or at fkonkel@gannett.com.

Suzanne Hines Selected "Citizen of the Year"  By Hamburg Kiwanis

04/28/2009 - Livingston County Daily Press & Argus - Hamburg Historical Museum Director Suzanne Hines was selected to recieve the 2009 Marv Pedersen Citizen of the Year Award by the Hamburg Kiwanis Club this morning.  Hines was recognized for her work at the museum, namely collecting local artifacts for her displays.  She was also lauded for drawing large crowds to the Hamburg Festival and Railroad Days.  The Kiwanis award is given out each year.  - by Christopher Behnan

2009 Special Events Coming Up

• Leisure time In Hamburg - Exhibit: August 15 through October 2, 2009.
• Hamburg Festival and Railroad Days: Saturday, September 12, 2009: Hamburg Railroad Days is September 12th from 10am-4pm in the village of Hamburg. Offered will be excursion rides on the 1225 Polar Express steam engine train, history displays at Museum a Quilt show and other activities. For info call 810-986-0190.
• The Night Before Christmas: Holiday Open House - December

 

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HATS - SHOES - PURSES

Remember the "good old days" when we wore stiletto heels to work and to shop?  What about having a hat for every occasion?  Or matching our purse to our shoes?  Come in and see the history that many of us lived.  Hats, Shoes and Purses are on display.

THE HISTORY OF LINGERIE

Take a step back through time and view the history of lingerie at Hamburg Historical Museum.  Click here to view the Detroit News Slide Show of Photos by Ricardo Thomas.

 

Membership in the Hamburg Historical Society

Send your name, address, city, state, zip code and phone number together with your check for annual dues to: Hamburg Historical Society, P.O. Box 968, Hamburg, MI 48139. Or, better yet, drop it off at the Museum. We would enjoy your visit! - Thank you.

Annual Dues:

• Individual - $15.00
• Family - $20.00
• Student - $2.00
• Business - $40.00
• Life Membership - $200.00
• Honorary - 70 & Ove

Hamburg Historical Museum
7225 Stone Street
(Old Library Building)
Hamburg Village
P.O. Box 272
Hamburg, MI 48139
Open: Wednesdays 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Special Tours By Appointment

Contact Us:
Museum Phone: 810-986-0190
Or, Contact Suzanne Hines at
Cell: 586-904-9346
E-mail: suzanne@pendragon-design.com.

Opened in 2004, the goal of the museum is to preserve and present the history of Hamburg.

The museum is located in one of Hamburg's major historic buildings.  The building began in the mid-1850's as a Methodist Church; housed the Township offices in the mid-1900's and was the home of the Hamburg Township Library for over 20 years.

Mapquest Directions to 7225 Stone St.

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