The Flat River Historical Society was organized in 1967 to preserve and promote knowledge of the history of Greenville and the Montcalm County area. It was chartered by the State of Michigan as a Non-profit Corporation in 1968. Serving as the historical archive and local storyteller for more than 50 years, our goal is to present history through exhibits and programs that will interest people of all ages through the discoveries they make from what they see and experience.
The Flat River Historical Museum was dedicated in 1972 and celebrated 50 years in 2022 with many special events. Thank you for your support all these years!
Mission
To excite people about the history of Greenville and surrounding area and to bridge the past with the present and future
Vision
To present area history through meaningful exhibits, support school curriculum, and share our legacy through projects that enhance community quality of life.
Values
To strive for Quality of Programs, Accessibility with Hospitality, Collaboration with Community, Inquiry for Learning, Stewardship of Holdings Responsibility for Success
Our Board
These are the community leaders who provide the vision and passion to make the Flat River Society and Museum what it is. They not only make the decisions - but most can also be found organizing displays, sweeping the floor, dusting the shelves, researching the archives, shoveling the snow, developing school programs and many other tasks that need to be done. They also help with the fun part - greeting visitors and guiding them through the museum! Learn more about each of our board members below.
Standing in back: President Keith Hudson, Treasurer Lee Beard, Trustees Larry Alman and Steve Kemp
Middle Row: Trustees Robin Walter, RaeAnne Beard, Vice President Kelly Whitmer, Trustee Judy Gager, Secretary Jean Hudson
Seated: Trustees Cory Smith, Carolyn Garlick and Bill Garlick
MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER: Susan McDonnell.
Susan is a transplant to the Greenville area since 2019. She grew up on the East side of Michigan but relocated to Grand Rapids after attending Aquinas College. She has had a diverse career background including banking, owning a business and sales positions. She traveled for a year with Up With People and enjoys learning about history and cultures!She was looking for connections during Covid and on a visit to the Flat River museum fell madly in love with the history and artifacts of Greenville. She began volunteering as a docent and is excited to add her energy to the dedicated board of the Flat River Museum!
History of The Museum
See Interpretive Panels Downtown
To share the story of the many historic buildings in downtown Greenville, we collaborated to place interpretive panels along Lafayette Street so visitors can visualize what it was like in the past.
The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the Flat River Historical Society and Museum with the 2017 Coalition of Greater Greenville (COGG) Spirit of Collaboration Award in honor of this partnership project with the Greenville Downtown Development Authority, as well as for our collaboration with Greenville Public Schools for Native American, fur trade, and lumberjack educational programs. We are most appreciative!
Logmark Newsletter
The Logmark is our society newsletter.
When you become a member of the Flat River Historical Society, you are one of the first to learn about upcoming events, new exhibits, community outreach and education programs, and interesting bits of local history!
The full-color Logmark is emailed to members- or a black/white copy is postal mailed if no internet access is available. Just note your preference on the membership form when you fill it out.
Click below to see the most recent issues of the Logmark!