Harsha House Museum

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.

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 season are:

• Charlevoix's connection to the Civil War, centered by a signature quilt consisting of the names of Charlevoix area veterans
• A 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:

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 2012:

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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