“Best-kept secret” is how one board member described the Ferndale Historical Society Museum. That statement is not far from the truth. This unassuming building holds a treasure trove of Ferndale’s past.
Welcome to the Ferndale Historical Society Museum. It is a repository of memories and artifacts that tell the story of this vibrant city. Founded to preserve Ferndale’s heritage, the museum is a labor of love. Dedicated volunteers run it.
The Ferndale Historical Society was first founded February 21, 1977. However, it became inactive by August 1980. The Historical Study Commission remained active.
The Canadian Legion donated their building to Ferndale in 1979. It was for the good of the community. On February 23, 1981, a city council resolution reactivated the Ferndale Historical Society. The Ferndale Historical Society was officially incorporated February 23, 1983.
Step inside the Ferndale Historical Society Museum. You will discover exhibits. They showcase everything from early settlement days to the city’s mid-century boom. Imagine life in Ferndale during the 1950s. Ferndale had more kids per capita than any other city of its size. The city had eight elementary schools.
One of the museum’s most impressive projects is the O’Neill Housing Collection. Diane O’Neill started it. She spent 11 years documenting every street in Ferndale. She took pictures of each house. She recorded when they were built. She even noted the names and occupations of the owners. This collection shows the resilience of Ferndale residents during the Depression.
The Ferndale Historical Society Museum holds the key to researching your home’s past. The museum has binder archives. These archives document owners and the history of Ferndale buildings by street address. R.L. Polk books provide a glimpse of who lived at a street address in the past. The museum also has copies of the Ferndale Gazette from 1927 to 1979.
The Ferndale Historical Society played a role in building a replica of the crow’s nest. The crow’s nest is a small tower. Ferndale police officers once used it to direct traffic. The replica is now an icon for the museum.
During World War II, Ferndale residents supported the war effort. They collected war bonds. They collected enough to fund two bomber planes. Residents donated kitchenware and aluminum metals for recycling. These materials were used for the war effort.
The Ferndale Historical Society Museum faces challenges. Ferndale lacks a Historical Commission. The Historical Society relies on city government for assistance. They need help with grants and fighting demolitions.
The Ferndale Historical Society Museum is a treasure. It preserves Ferndale’s stories. It connects residents to their past. As you leave, consider how you can support this vital institution. Perhaps you will volunteer. Maybe you will donate. You might share your own Ferndale stories. You will help ensure that the museum continues to thrive for generations to come.