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The house was built in 1891 by Charlevoix businessman and community leader Horace Harsha. Granddaughter Ann Harsha donated the Victorian style house to the Charlevoix Historical Society in 1979 to be used as a museum. Rent from two apartments provides funds to help maintain the grounds and building.
The first Bob Miles Charlevoix book was published by the Society in 1976. Proceeds from this publication provided funds to build an addition to house the growing collection of photos and artifacts donated by members of the community.
Exhibits at Harsha House for the 2007-2008 season are:
- Military uniforms, clothing, flags, banners, and related items from the museum textile collection, plus military artifacts and a model of a submarine captured by the Japanese in World War II
- A tribute to local master cobbler John Smith
- The wood bird carvings of Gordon Neff
- A photographic collage reminiscence marking the 125th anniversary of the Congregational Church
- a selection of images from the Bob Miles Photo Collection used to illustrate the new publication "The History of Bridge Street" by Don Campbell (see home page)
- A recently donated Edison Gem Phonograph that played wax cylinders is on display in the front formal parlor
Other exhibits are:
- The 3 1/2 order Fresnel lens from the Gray's Reef light north of Beaver Island
- Ernest Hemingway's original marriage license with first wife Hadley Richardson
- A 1920s working player piano
- A working reed organ
- The huge safe from the Charlevoix Lumber Company
- Panels of mounted historic photographs
- An eight-foot tall, 200 story Petoskey Stone tower made for the Bicentennial of 1976
- Original artwork by Charlevoix area artists is on display in two of the three restored Victorian rooms
PHOTO GALLERY: Living Room; Dining Room & Entry; Special Exhibits.
Harsha House Museum attractions include:
- 3 Victorian Period Rooms
- Over 9000 Historic Photos & Negatives
- Local Historical Artifacts on Display
- 1917 Working Player Piano
- Local Oral History Collection
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- Local Family History Collection
- History Research Materials
- U.S. Census Microfilm & Microfilm Reader
- Sanborn Fire Maps on Microfilm
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The Museum Store has for sale a variety of quality items pertaining to Charlevoix history by local artists Jim Annis and Russ & Susan Bolt. Also, historic Charlevoix scenes note cards, collectable Christmas ornaments, and calendars. Copies of historic photos may also be purchased. (Museum store items can be mailed. Shipping & handling fees extra.)
Harsha House Museum hours for 2010:
- Jan – Feb: Closed
- Mar – Apr: Thursday – Saturday 1-4 P. M.
- May – Jun 26: Tuesday – Saturday 1-4 P. M.
- Jun 28 – Sep 4: Monday – Saturday 1-4 P. M.
- Sept 7 – Jan 1: Tuesday – Saturday 1-4 P. M.
(Hours Are Subject To change)
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Call for special appointments during fall, winter and spring hours. Phone: 231-547-0373 . Fax: 231-547-4033. Leave message; Director will return your call.
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