Dexter Area Historical Society
Museum
3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130 The Museum is closed until May. Throughout the year we welcome researchers, questions and donations. To contact us leave a message at 734 426-2519 or send an email to DexMuseum@aol.com |
Gordon Hall
8311 Island Lake Road Dexter, MI 48130 Gordon Hall is open during special events and by appointment only. |
May 3 Museum opens and Gordon Hall Raffle ticket sales begin
May 4 DuMouchelle Appraisal Clinic
May 18 Ring Out Dexter’s Sesquicentennial and Ring In the Bicentennial!
May 19 Forest Lawn Cemetery Tour
May 27 Memorial Day Parade
June 6 & 7 MUSEUM Yard Sale
June 20-23 Dexter’s Bicentennial Celebration
June 21 Dexter's Time Capsule Dedication, Museum Open House, Ice Cream Social – 3-7 pm
June 22 Gordon Hall Tea and Period Fashion Show – A Dexter Family Wedding – 1 pm
June 22 A Bicentennial Celebration at Gordon Hall – 7 pm
August 10 Gordon Hall Raffle Drawing
November 1 Gordon Hall Challenge Grant begins
November 22 Museum closes for the season
December 6 Christmas at the Mansion Gala
December 7 Christmas at the Mansion
December 7 Dexter Heritage Guild Holiday Bazaar at the Museum
December 8 Christmas Tea at Gordon Hall
May 4 DuMouchelle Appraisal Clinic
May 18 Ring Out Dexter’s Sesquicentennial and Ring In the Bicentennial!
May 19 Forest Lawn Cemetery Tour
May 27 Memorial Day Parade
June 6 & 7 MUSEUM Yard Sale
June 20-23 Dexter’s Bicentennial Celebration
June 21 Dexter's Time Capsule Dedication, Museum Open House, Ice Cream Social – 3-7 pm
June 22 Gordon Hall Tea and Period Fashion Show – A Dexter Family Wedding – 1 pm
June 22 A Bicentennial Celebration at Gordon Hall – 7 pm
August 10 Gordon Hall Raffle Drawing
November 1 Gordon Hall Challenge Grant begins
November 22 Museum closes for the season
December 6 Christmas at the Mansion Gala
December 7 Christmas at the Mansion
December 7 Dexter Heritage Guild Holiday Bazaar at the Museum
December 8 Christmas Tea at Gordon Hall
Antique Appraisal Day Coming to Dexter - Saturday May 4, 2024
Have you ever wondered about the value of an item you inherited or bought at a sale? An appraiser from DuMouchelles auction house in Detroit will be at the Dexter Area Museum for an appraisal clinic. This will be wonderful opportunity to speak with an appraiser to discover more information about your item. To make an appointment, call (734) 424-9998. Each 15-minute appointment will include a verbal appraisal for one to two items. There is a fee of $10 per appraised item, cash or check only. Proceeds support the preservation and operation of the Dexter Area Museum. On the day of the event, please call the Museum at (734) 426-2519 with any questions or to find out if there are any available appointment openings.
Dexter Area Museum 3443 Inverness Street Dexter |
Ring out Dexter's Sesquicentennial and Ring in the Bicentennial
To celebrate Dexter’s 150th birthday back in 1974, the people of Dexter filled a Sesquicentennial time capsule and buried it at the Dexter Area Museum. On May 18 at 1:00 pm, we will dig it up and get a sneak preview of what is in there. After a brief viewing, the capsule will be moved to another location while we sort through and clean the contents. (You can view the contents on Friday June 21 from 3-7 pm – for details see the related event Dexter’s Time Capsule Dedication.) Then, to celebrate Dexter’s 200th birthday, we will fill our Bicentennial time capsule. Beginning May 31, you can bring your contribution to fill it. Visit the Museum on Fridays and Saturdays from 1‑3 pm or June 16, 17, and 19 from 5-7 pm. Deadline for contributions is June 19 at 7 pm.
Guidelines for Donations to Dexter’s Bicentennial Time Capsule
From May 19 to June 19, the Dexter Area Historical Society will accept donations of items to be placed in the Dexter Bicentennial time capsule. The deadline for contributions is June 19. On June 21, these items will be buried in a vault at the Dexter Area Museum and they will not be seen again until 2074, when the vault is dug up. If you would like to contribute items to the time capsule, consider these guidelines:
Guidelines for Donations to Dexter’s Bicentennial Time Capsule
From May 19 to June 19, the Dexter Area Historical Society will accept donations of items to be placed in the Dexter Bicentennial time capsule. The deadline for contributions is June 19. On June 21, these items will be buried in a vault at the Dexter Area Museum and they will not be seen again until 2074, when the vault is dug up. If you would like to contribute items to the time capsule, consider these guidelines:
- Maximum size about 18 x 18 inches
- No liquids, food, hazardous materials (eg, batteries, aerosols, chemicals, gases, anything flammable or corrosive)
- Any electronic devices must have batteries removed.
Forest Lawn Cemetery Tour
The History of Samuel and Millicent Bond Dexter and Their Families
The History of Samuel and Millicent Bond Dexter and Their Families
As part of the Dexter Bicentennial Celebration, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 2-4 pm, the Dexter District Library, the Dexter Area Historical Society, and Forest Lawn Cemetery of Dexter will offer a guided walking tour of the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery, located on Grand Street in Dexter. The tours will include the history of the cemetery and actors portraying local historical figures, including Judge Dexter’s family. Tour participants will be in groups of 10 with a guide. Note, the tour involves walking over uneven ground. Registration is mandatory and space is limited. Register on the Dexter Library’s events calendar (https://dexter.lib.mi.us/adults/adults-calendar/ ) or call 734-426-4477.
The cemetery tour is free, although donations will be accepted for the Forest Lawn Cemetery Tree Fund for those who wish to contribute. |
Time Capsule Dedication, Museum Open House, Ice Cream Social
Time Capsule Dedication - Friday, June 21 from 3–7 PM
The Dexter Area Museum will be open, and the Dexter Lions will host an ice cream social. The contents of the Sesquicentennial time capsule from 1974 will also be on display. If you put something into the 1974 time capsule and wish to claim it, this will be your chance! The dedication ceremony for the Bicentennial Time Capsule will begin at 6:00 pm. After the ceremony, the capsule will be prepared for reburial, not to be seen again until 2074 when Dexter celebrates its Semiquincentennial (250th) birthday! Bring the kids! Dress up in your finest period costume and take lots of pictures. This will be a historic Dexter event. (Note, the deadline for contributions to the time capsule is June 19 at 7 pm.) Watch this space for updates on the day’s events. This event is free.
Location: Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness in Dexter. 734-426-2519.
The Dexter Area Museum will be open, and the Dexter Lions will host an ice cream social. The contents of the Sesquicentennial time capsule from 1974 will also be on display. If you put something into the 1974 time capsule and wish to claim it, this will be your chance! The dedication ceremony for the Bicentennial Time Capsule will begin at 6:00 pm. After the ceremony, the capsule will be prepared for reburial, not to be seen again until 2074 when Dexter celebrates its Semiquincentennial (250th) birthday! Bring the kids! Dress up in your finest period costume and take lots of pictures. This will be a historic Dexter event. (Note, the deadline for contributions to the time capsule is June 19 at 7 pm.) Watch this space for updates on the day’s events. This event is free.
Location: Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness in Dexter. 734-426-2519.
A Bicentennial Celebration at Gordon Hall with Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies –
A Bicentennial Celebration Supporting the Restoration of Gordon Hall, Saturday June 22. Doors and the bar open at 6:00 pm. Historic Gordon Hall will be open for you to explore the first floor only from 6-7:00 pm. After a short program beginning at 7:00, you can dance the night away under the tent to the sounds of local favorite Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies. Enjoy food and open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks until 10:00. Tickets are $75 per person or $350 for 6 people. Advance purchase is suggested. Location: Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd, at the corner of Dexter-Pinckney Rd, Dexter, MI. |
To buy tickets online click the PayPal button below or call 734‑395-4106 for more information: All proceeds benefit the restoration of Gordon Hall. |
2023 Gordon Hall Challenge Grant a Success!
DAHS set a goal to raise $50,000 this year for the Holiday Campaign in support of Gordon Hall. We were very fortunate to have a small group of dedicated supporters come forward very early with a pledge to match up to $15,000 in donations, so we were off to a good start. Since that time, the lovers of history in this area have dug into their pockets to prove how much they support our goal to restore Gordon Hall. As of January 31, 2024, we raised a total of $50,875! All of the money we are raising is going into our construction fund, which we will use to complete construction projects, leverage additional funding from donors and grant makers, and support our fundraising. The restoration project itself continues to move forward. This year we are upgrading the electrical service at Gordon Hall. The new service will be more economical in monthly bills and will have the capacity we will need to operate the facility after the restoration has been completed. To those of you who have donated to restore Gordon Hall, we can’t thank you enough! To that amazing group that has donated faithfully over the years, you are an inspiration! This is a huge job, and it will take each and every one of us to complete it successfully. THANK YOU for your faith in us. |
Will you join our legacy of support? It is never too late to help!
If you would like to donate, click the DONATE button to use a credit card. To use a check, make it to DAHS and note “Gordon Hall restoration” on the memo line. Then mail it to DAHS 3443 Inverness Street Dexter, MI 48130.” You can also help us by becoming a volunteer or by spreading the word about our plans. |
The Latest Restoration Project at Gordon Hall
When U-M completed the conversion of Gordon Hall into 4 apartments in 1950, electricity was supplied to the house by 5 separate service lines: one for each apartment and one for the whole house. In late 2023, DAHS began a project to remove those lines and upgrade the service to a single 800-amp service. This will provide sufficient capacity to power a modern efficient heating and cooling system and a lift to provide access to the second floor for all. This project will be completed in late 2024. It has been funded partly by generous contributions from the Dexter community (in particular from the 2022 Holiday Campaign in Support of Gordon Hall). We have also been very fortunate to receive grant funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). Thanks to our local contributors and to the State of Michigan for helping us get this important improvement completed! |
Christmas at the Mansion was a great success.
The mansion was decked out in holiday splendor. Our guests on Friday evening enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, spirits and desserts while engaging in conversation in the festive Gordon Hall setting. On Saturday 460 folks visited Gordon Hall to put in their requests with Santa, build gingerbread houses, and enjoy the Christmas Village Collection of Department 56 houses. There were two seatings on Sunday afternoon for tea. The guests enjoyed tea, sandwiches and cookies and learned about the women of Gordon Hall. |
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Holiday Bazaar!
The Dexter Heritage Guild hosted another successful bazaar as well as a "Second Chance" the following weekend. The proceeds from the sales support work at the museum.
The Dexter Heritage Guild hosted another successful bazaar as well as a "Second Chance" the following weekend. The proceeds from the sales support work at the museum.
Don't forget to get your copy of the book
Dexter Michigan Then and Now Celebrating 200 Years The cost is $30 with a small service fee on credit card sales. Locations:
At the museum Friday and Saturday 1-3 through November and Saturday December 9 and 16 from 10-3. At Gordon Hall during Christmas at the Mansion events Friday Dec 1 – Dec 3 and at the evening open houses on December 9, 16 and 27. At Heritage Guild Bazaar on Dec 2 at the museum And at the following locations:
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Compiled from the collection of information and photos at the Dexter Area Museum and printed with the help of a donation from the Dexter Community Fund.
Proceeds support the work of the Dexter Area Historical Society |
Gordon Hall Days -2023
Thanks to our community and to our sponsors for a very successful Gordon Hall Days!
Thanks to our community and to our sponsors for a very successful Gordon Hall Days!
Gordon Hall Raffle - And the winner is . . .
The 2023 winner of the Gordon Hall Raffle was Terry Stafford of Dexter! It was a 50/50 raffle and the drawing was held at Dexter Daze on Saturday August 12. Congratulations to Terry and his wife!! As always, this wonderful community supported DAHS and Gordon Hall by buying raffle tickets. Terry supported us even more by donating some of his winnings back to DAHS! Thank you so much to Terry and to everyone who bought a ticket! We value the faith you have in us. DAHS will apply our half of the total sales to the restoration of Gordon Hall. |
Restore Gordon Hall!
We continue our fundraising efforts toward the restoration of historic Gordon Hall. Our goal is to start work in 2024, Dexter's bicentennial year.
Any donation, large or small, is appreciated. Your support will help to create a lasting legacy for future generations. You can donate by pushing the DONATE button below or by mailing a check to DAHS at 3443 Inverness in Dexter 48130 (designated Gordon Hall Restoration). |
DAHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your donation is therefore tax deductible to the extent provided by law. We are run entirely by volunteers, so your full donation is applied to the work that we do.
Membership and Volunteers:
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
Check out our latest Newsletter - Winter 2024
Or browse the Newsletter Archive
We have many opportunities for volunteers and welcome your participation!
Click here for a link to the membership and volunteer form.
Check out our latest Newsletter - Winter 2024
Or browse the Newsletter Archive
Past Dexter Area Historical Society Events
Christmas at the Mansion 2022
Thanks to everyone who made the events possible and many thanks to those who enjoyed them! |
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Gordon Hall Days 2022
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Dexter Memorial Day Parade
Gordon Hall Renovation Update
The first phase of Gordon Hall renovation is complete and it looks great! We contracted A. R. Brouwer Company, LLC for the addition of three bathrooms on the ground floor, a room on the second floor and replacement of the back porch with a replica of the original. In addition, work has been done on the North Parlor including restoring the original 1840 floors and painting the walls. |
Gordon Hall has a nice new look and is ready to host events. Please see our event page or contact Bene Fusilier at benefusilier@att.net or 734-426-8972 to book your date today.
These pictures show some of the completed work by the contractor as well as the work done by volunteers to remove carpet and plywood in the North Parlor. It took crowbars to remove the many nails that were used to hold down the plywood! The stairway was added in 1951 by the U of M to access the two upper apartments, so we just removed the carpet from them. Our plans are to continue restoring the floor which we hope to show off on September 11th and 12th during our special 2021 Gordon Hall Days. |
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Gordon Hall Milk House
Thank you to the Ann Arbor Kiwanis for awarding us a grant to complete the steps for the milk house at Gordon Hall. When we open, besides our new improvements at Gordon Hall, you will be able to visit the milk house and go down to the basement where they stored meat and produce.
Exciting tours will await when we can have visitors.
Exciting tours will await when we can have visitors.
We want to extend a very sincere thank you to our Dexter Area Historical Society members, our sponsors and to the Dexter community for their continued support of our ongoing restoration efforts at our local historical treasure, Gordon Hall!
The Dexter Area Historical Society (DAHS) is a nonprofit organization in Dexter, Michigan, which supports the preservation of the history of the Dexter area. DAHS owns and operates two properties: the Dexter Area Museum and Gordon Hall.
The DAHS board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the museum.
Dexter Museum
Located in the Village of Dexter, Michigan the Dexter Area Historical Museum serves as western Washtenaw County's link with history. The museum is housed in the former St. Andrew's United Church of Christ built in 1883. In addition to numerous artifacts, the museum contains a large display area, a genealogical library, a local history library and the Corner Gift Shop. The museum is open May - November on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Dexter Heritage Guild is the fundraising group for the Musem.
Museum and Heritage Guild information
Historic Gordon Hall
Built in the 1840's Gordon Hall is owned and operated by the Dexter Area Historical Society. The society puts on events at Gordon Hall throughout the year to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the building. The venue may also be rented for weddings and other events.
Gordon Hall history and event scheduling
The DAHS board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the museum.
Dexter Museum
Located in the Village of Dexter, Michigan the Dexter Area Historical Museum serves as western Washtenaw County's link with history. The museum is housed in the former St. Andrew's United Church of Christ built in 1883. In addition to numerous artifacts, the museum contains a large display area, a genealogical library, a local history library and the Corner Gift Shop. The museum is open May - November on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Dexter Heritage Guild is the fundraising group for the Musem.
Museum and Heritage Guild information
Historic Gordon Hall
Built in the 1840's Gordon Hall is owned and operated by the Dexter Area Historical Society. The society puts on events at Gordon Hall throughout the year to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the building. The venue may also be rented for weddings and other events.
Gordon Hall history and event scheduling
Locations
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Museum HoursMay through November
Friday and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Gordon Hall is open during special events and by appointment only. |