The Mecosta County Historical Society began on January 25th, 1894. The society met in members’ homes for many years. In 1955, a temporary historical museum was established to help celebrate the Centennial anniversary of Big Rapids.

The dream of the permanent museum became reality in 1966 when the Historical Society began the operation of the Mecosta County Historical Museum at its current location.

A highlight of the Mecosta County Historical Museum is the Wooten Desk. Introduced in 1874, the Wooten Desk was described as an “office within an office.” It was one of the most expensive factory produced desk of its day. With the cost ranging from $100 to $800, this was the equivalent of more than a year’s wage for the cabinet maker who built it. The Wooten desk was produced until 1897.

The Mecosta County Historical Society invites you to visit the museum. The Museum occupies the former home of Fitch Phelps, a Big Rapids lumberman. In 1966, Mecosta County Historical Society began using this building as a museum and a meeting place.

The museum is the home of many historical displays telling the story of the Mecosta County area. It offers research materials from this area’s historical background, including the logging and lumbering industries.

The Historical Society also offers a traveling Museum. It is listed with the Speakers Bureau of the Humanities Council of West Michigan. The museum is host to guided tours for private organizations and school groups. Please feel free to contact us for any of our services.

Membership in the Mecosta County Historical Society is welcome. Please contact the Historical Society at the museum for more information at 231-592-5091.

Click here for more info on Mecosta County Historic Sites!