Main Exhibit Topics
Early Medicine
Medicine has always played an important role in the development of culture throughout human history. As Newago County continued to grow and thrive, technology improved access to new standards of care for residents and visitors. Our exhibit focuses on the early history of medicine in the county, showcasing the tools, medicines and objects used.
Gerber
Our newest exhibit takes a look at one of our country’s largest employers and examines the way that this international Icon has changed and shaped the trajectory of our County's history. Topics include Fremont Canning, unforms, advertising, orchard production, Transportation, and Quality control.
Native American
Before logging or farming the Newaygo County area was home to Native American tribes. Our display includes Native American artifacts such as arrowheads, tools, baskets, and jewelry. We also share the history of Native Americans captured with stunning visuals of their unique culture.
Logging
In 1840, this area held most of the white pine trees in the state of Michigan which made this region the center of the logging world for about 50 years. For Newaygo County nearly 200 towns in 24 townships were developed because of logging and the remaining towns and townships make up the county as we know it today. On display you will find many logging artifacts, such as a pike pole, various saws, and log marks.
Farming
Today’s farming is much different than the early farming in the area. Mostly due to the logging of the area farming became one of the largest industries in the area. Today, Michigan is a leader in the national production of many crops including apples, cherries, and onions. Our exhibit showcases both antique and modern tools used in the farming and agriculture of the area.
Military
Over the years, Newaygo County has been home to many Veterans and their families. Currently, our display highlights five military branches including the Navy, Marines, Army, Air force, and U.S. Coast Guard. Women in the Military are also highlighted with this year’s focus being on Nurses. Not only do we provide an information on the branches themselves, but also include uniforms, stories, and photos of a Newaygo County resident who has proudly served in one of these branches.
Tourism
Since the early 1900s, Newaygo County has been sought after by thousands of tourists. With 233 natural lakes and ponds and 484 miles of river and streams
covering over 10,000 acres, it is truly a land of lakes and streams. Tourism is now one of the leading industries in the area and many of the fun activities available are depicted in our display.
Mini Exhibits
Fur Trade
Like many local areas the Fur Trade industry was a defining feature of the county’s history. Here you will find a brief history on how fur trade became such a large industry along with various photos, artifacts, and pelts. We also have our prominent Legends Ranch display that shows Michigan Mammals including a bear, wolf, turkeys, and many other animals native to the area.
White Cloud occupies a unique role at the heart of Newaygo County's culture. As the County seat, it is home to the county courthouse and the county government. Although the town is small, its importance to the area cannot be understated. Our exhibit looks at 150 years of its history.
White Cloud
Coming
Soon
Schools
This photo collage encompasses many different schools and activities throughout Newaygo County including sports, photos of one room schools, and class photos. Also included is the large bell from a Newaygo County School and an antique desk & chair.
HMNC Gas Stations
The building that now houses the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County has a long history dating back to the 1918 as a Sinclair Gas Station. Along with this a Standard Service was once house in the building next door. Our display showcases not only Standard Service artifacts, but also a vintage gas pump and the history or our very own building.
Education
Unlocking Possibilities for a Brighter Future.
Field Trip Programs:
Pioneer Children - 2nd Grade
On this journey into the past, students will make and taste their own butter, experience daily chores, touch a variety of early tools and household items, learn their uses.
They will sample games which entertained pioneer children, make a button buzzer of their own and go on a guided tour of the museum.
Native Americans and the Fur Trade – 3rd Grade
Learn Native American culture and how the Native Americans lived and thrived on the land.
Discover the economic and cultural factors which drove the French to travel thousands of miles to our shores. Students will handle actual fur pelts, learn what items they were traded for, and why.
Lumbering in Newaygo County – 4th Grade
Imagine a Michigan covered in White Pine trees and many other Hardwood trees. Then imagine much of Michigan barren of forests with eroding riverbanks and wind-blown sand.
Students learn about the days of extensive logging; what, when, why, how it happened and who did it, as well as the significance of this period in our history.
We will also compare logging in the late 1800s with logging today.
Classroom Presentations
The following topics are available in a 1 hour presentation that comes to you (provided you have a projector). Survey of American Presidents, History of Michigan, Lumbering in Newaygo County, and Michigan’s Fur Trade – from Marco Polo to French Voyagers in the woods, 1300-1700.
Call or message for more information:
Archaeology
Day Camp
Authentic archaeology dig in collaboration with Local landowners and National Forest Service Archaeologists.
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One week long. Third week of June, Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 3:00
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Ages 10 to 14. Participants must have a direct connection to Newaygo County.
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Space is limited
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Cost: $50 (Scholarships available based on need)
Call or message for more information:
Gerber FCU Commits to Title Sponsorship of Educational Program at Heritage Museum
FREMONT, Mich. (2/3/2025) Gerber FCU has committed to title sponsorship of the ‘Journeys Through History’ program at the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County for five (5) consecutive years. Shown here, Gerber Federal Credit Union President/CEO John P. Buckley, Jr (pictured right) presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County Executive Director Steven Radtke (pictured left) for the first year of sponsorship.
The museum provides a rich and immersive educational experience for students. Hands-on activities and field trips help bring history to life, engaging students and giving them a deeper connection to the community's past. Each grade-level has an area of focus as follows: Pioneer Life (2nd), Native Americans (3rd), Logging (4th) and Michigan History (5th). This program currently serves around 2,000 students per year.
"We are pleased to support the museum through our annual donation, which will help fund its education programs,” said John Buckley. “These programs play a crucial role in enriching the lives of local residents and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and culture. We believe this partnership will enhance the museum’s educational mission and provide valuable learning opportunities for the community."
Gerber Federal Credit Union was founded here, and we’re focused on growing here. We have two branches located in Fremont and one in Newaygo. At Gerber FCU we value the relationships we create with our members and with one another. We are honest and trustworthy. We are kind and genuinely care about our members, colleagues and the community. We are a team and work together for the common good of our members and the community. Stop in or visit GerberFCU.com to learn why Newaygo County trusts Gerber FCU as their financial partner.
