The Sanford Centennial Museum houses an extensive local history collection. There are nine historic buildings, including two schools, a general store, log cabin, township hall, church, train depot and train, and Santa house, all authentically restored and furnished. Inside the buildings, collections include vintage tools, implements from the logging days, political memorabilia, a dentist's office, a saloon, toys, household goods, and much more. Come visit us!
We are located on the Tittabawassee River one mile off US Highway 10, near Sanford Lake and across from the Pere Marquette Rail Trail.
A permanent Santa House was built on the grounds of the Sanford Centennial Museum. This is a community project crafted from local materials. Learn how you can help or make a donation now for the continuation of the Santa House Project. No donation is too small—you decide how much to help.
Weddings are still held in the chapel and can be arranged with the host/hostess, or by contacting the museum. A minimum donation of $200 plus a $50 security deposit is required.
Alternately, an outdoor wedding at our beautiful gazebo is available and will include a 20x30 tent and 70 chairs in our lawn with a minimum donation of $300 plus a $50 security deposit.
Linda Fisher will be happy to answer your questions and assist you through the process. Email: .
Become a member of the Sanford Historical Society! Benefits include a subscription to LOG MARKS, a newsletter published April through November via email, and participation in membership meetings.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Sanford Centennial Museum as follows:
November 20th
Lifetime memberships are now offered. See our membership page for details.
Please join the Sanford Historical Society as we celebrate the following events: Opening Day; Veterans Salute; Model Trains Display Weekend; Founders Day; and Santa Express. All returning for the 2024 season.
Announcing the Winners!
On Sunday, May 19th, Meridian Elementary School second graders and their families gathered in front of the Smith Log Cabin to recognize their creative talents.
This event reliably provides just as much fun and enjoyment for the museum volunteers as it does for the students.
Six of the ten historic buildings on the museum’s grounds were transported for restoration, preservation, and public viewing.
Sanford Area Centennial
Souvenir Picture Album
The 2020
Sesquicentennial Edition
The 1970 Sanford Area Centennial Souvenir Picture Album is now reissued 50 years later for the 2020 Sanford Area Sesquicentennial by the Sanford Area Historical Society. This area includes Averill, Edenville, Hope, Olson, and Sanford, Michigan. The book is 8.5"x11", 117 pages, and published in 2020.
It only takes a $15 donation.
Shipping is available for an additional $5. Get your copy now!
Upper Tittabawassee
River Boom Towns
by Stan Berriman
This is the story of the towns of Averill, Edenville, Hope and Sanford, together with a short history of the early Indians of the area and the logging and salt wells that made possible the growth of the City of Midland, Michigan. The book is 252 pages, 1970, reprinted 2020 by the Sanford Historical Society.
It only takes a $15 donation.
Shipping is available for an additional $5. Get your copy now!
Historical Recipes, Volume III
A Collection of Recipes by the Sanford Centennial Museum with an all new section from the family of Charles Sanford. As you page through this cookbook you'll find many historical recipes, which we tried to make as useable as possible for today's use. The book is 6"x8.5", 138 pages, and published in 2021. Take home a treasured collection of 300 recipes from many outstanding cooks. This attractive cookbook makes an ideal gift or keepsake!
It only takes a $10 donation.
Shipping is available for an additional $5. Get your copy now!
The Sanford Centennial Museum was damaged in the flood that was caused by the failure
of the Edenville and Sanford dams on May 19, 2020.
As the waters began to recede, Sanford Historical Society Board Member Donovan Miller walked the grounds and photographed the damage. Since then, over 2,500 volunteer hours to save the museum were expended. Please stop by to see how the museum turned out.
Donovan has graciously shared 446 photographs and they may be viewed here: View Photos »
In this interview, Jordan Mowbray takes a look at the Sanford Centennial Museum. Sanford Historical Society President Charles Dinsmore gives Jordan a tour and talks about what things looked like after the flood and the work that has gone into getting the museum back to this state. This footage was filmed on August 12, 2020. This was after the collapse of the Edenville Dam on May 19, 2020.
The Sanford Centennial Museum began with a school house that was built in 1910.
It was added on to in 1939 by the WPA. In 1970, the town of Sanford celebrated its centennial and, as part of the celebration,
set up a historical exhibit in the empty schoolhouse.
It was so successful, the town decided to make it permanent.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. EST
Admission - Free
School Field Trips
Private Group Tours
Weddings in Bailey Chapel
1 Donor Tree: Pay tribute to someone special with a displayed commemorative pinecone.
2 Veterans Memorial: Remember your Armed Forces loved one with a permanent brick.
3 Fundraising Items Available: Founders Day T-shirts and more are available at the Museum.
