Welcome to the Flat River Historical Society and Museum

The museum is closed, but will reopen for the season April 11th.

Private tours will be available upon request.

Come join us March 3rd as we unveil a new exhibit remembering Gibson Refrigeration—marking exactly 20 years since the last refrigerator rolled off the line! We have pulled those last employee-signed refrigerators out of storage to display for this exhibit- and will show much more of the story about the history of Gibson/Electrolux, its interaction with its employees and the impact on the community when it moved out.

  • March 3, 2026 – Ribbon Cutting at 4 PM with exhibit open until 8 PM that day only.
  • April 11-12 Exhibit will reopen when museum opens for the 2026 season.

We invite the community to attend and celebrate this meaningful piece of Flat River history. (This exhibit was partially funded by an America250MI Grant, helping preserve this important chapter of local history.)

Meet Jack – our resident lumberjack!

Jack first made an appearance in the Danish Festival parade in 2023 and represents the beginnings of Greenville during the lumbering era. Watch for him at special events!

HAPPENINGS – DON’T MISS OUT!

NURTURE CURIOUS MINDS

You don’t expect an ordinary old museum visit do you? Flat River Historical Museum offers a
scavenger hunt called “I TRY! leading visitors to hands-on interactive exhibits.

You’ll explore the museum’s treasures, but that’s not all!
Kids receive a fun prize when the challenge is complete.
Touch furs, meet a “ghost,” lift an ice block, ride a penny pony, and more!!

Come check it out!

Member of Tri-River Historical Museum Network-

A consortium of about 30 small local museums located along the Flat, Grand and Thornapple Rivers. If you like to explore local museums, plan your visits by clicking here for more information.

https://www.tririvermuseums.com/

Pioneer Certificate

Congratulations to Peter Hansen of Gowen for earning his second Montcalm County Pioneer Certificate in honor of ancestors living in the county prior to 1900.
If YOUR ancestors lived in Montcalm County before 1900 – and you can prove it – request an application for a Montcalm County Pioneer Certificate. Applicants must be a direct descendant of an individual who can be documented as living in Montcalm County prior to December 31, 1899. To get your application, just send us an email at frhsmuseum@gmail.com

Learn More

Looking for information?

Flat River Museum archives are available for historical or genealogical research.

Stop in when we’re open – or call for an appointment when we can assist you in

your search. Check out some of these other helpful links to help your search.

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