Michigan Historical Society Presents Distinguished Volunteer Service Award

The Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center (NCMHC) is pleased to announce that Toni Rumsey, local historian and genealogist, received the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the Michigan Historical Society. The award was presented to Ms. Rumsey by the President of the Historical Society at their awards presentation dinner on September 22 in Holland, Michigan.

As a volunteer, Ms. Rumsey has become expert in Newaygo County History over the past 16 years. She is the go-to person at the Newaygo County Museum when someone has a question about an old building, an event from the 1800s or about a Newaygo County family. At the Museum, you often hear a staff member say, “Ask Toni” or “Toni will probably know.”

Ms. Rumsey gathered information over several years for the publication of the County Museum’s popular three-volume series, One Room School Houses of Newaygo County, which documented the numerous country schools in our 24 townships. Prior to this, she compiled research for, wrote, and edited the 517-page book, Newaygo County History and Biographies. And, she is currently working on our second volume.

For nine years, she served on the NCMHC Board, first as a member, then as Vice President, and finally as President. Being a Board member, she participated on various committees and steered the organization toward a more sustainable professional structure.

Ms. Rumsey is a true local historian for Newaygo County and is determined to continue to support the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center and share in its mission.