A Vision for Monroe
The Monroe County Historical Society will be forever grateful to
Mr. Knabush and Mr. Shoemaker for their extraordinary generosity.
They had a vision for Monroe County that, with hard work, led to what is today considered a legacy. Had the Society not received their heartfelt monetary gifts, we would not have been able to accomplish the many tasks brought to completion since 1938.
With the support of Mr. Knabush and Mr. Shoemaker, we formulated a mission that has remained steadfast for nearly a century: to preserve, promote and perpetuate Monroe County's historical, cultural and ecological assets. We have put substance to this mission by celebrating the sites and people whose threads help weave our community's colorful tapestry.
Would Mr. Knabush and Mr. Shoemaker be pleased with the strides we have made since their early support? We think so.
They were, of course, not the only citizens of Monroe to contribute to our efforts - in fact, it is our wish to thank the many families, friends, corporations, and local companies who have donated to the Society throughout the years. Your philanthropy helps instill pride in the hearts of all who call Monroe home.
How can we ever say THANK YOU!!
Chronology of Accomplishments
1938 to 1989
1938 – Society forms; quartered in Sawyer Building
1939 – Historic Trails Committee formed by JS Gray
1948 – Purchase of Eby Log Cabin
1955 – Custer Monument moved to Monroe Street
33 markers placed by Trails Committee
1956 – Bridge School acquired from Dundee Board of Education
1959 – St. Antoine Park developed
1960 – Eby Cabin placed on County fairgrounds
1961 – Cabin shown to 20,000 Fair visitors
1962 – Museum opens year-round
1966 – Monroe County Historical Commission created to operate Museums
1967 – First full-time Museum Director
1969 – Country Store Exhibit opened in Papermill School Building
1971 – Gift of Navarre-Anderson Trading Post
1972 – Monroe Post Office Building acquired
1973 – New Museum building dedicated during Michigan Week
1974 – Architectural Survey of County completed
1976 – Archaeological studies at River Raisin Battlefield begin
1979 – Phinney Building saved and moved
1982 – Navarre-Morris Cabin moved to Trading Post site
1983 – Enlarged Custer Exhibit completed
1984 – Navarre-Anderson Trading Post opened
1986 – River Raisin Battlefield site acquired
1988 – Country Store porch and improvements
1989 – Trading Post Barn constructed
Bridge School, Raisinville Township
Navarre-Anderson Trading Post
Bridge School, Raisinville Township