About the Rockford Area Historical Society (RAHS)
A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE to the extent allowed by law.
The RAHS was formed in 1967 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the history of the greater Rockford, Michigan area. The society is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of local area residents and business people. It is operated by volunteers, without whose effort it could not exist. The RAHS raises funds in the form of membership dues, donations, pledges, memorials, grants, and other fund raising activities which are conducted throughout the year. Funds are used for operating expenses and services to the community. The RAHS is the main provider of funds for the operation of the Rockford Area Museum
The following eight people were the founders of the Rockford Area Historical Society
Clarence Blakeslee Joan Bunn Marvin Bunn Homer Burch
Florian Carpenter Rita Morgan Cecil Porter John Styer
Did you know that the Rockford Area Historical Society meets monthly (except for July and August). These meetings generally feature an informative and interesting presentation of a historical nature. The June and December meetings feature a potluck dinner that allows for a lot of of good communication and opportunities to meet others.
ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD AT THE COMMUNITY CABIN. THEYARE FREE OF CHARGE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
WE THINK YOU'LL HAVE A GOOD TIME. PLAN NOW TO JOIN US.
Historical Society Membership
A variety of membership options means there
is a membership plan perfect for everyone.
MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2021.
INDIVIDUAL - $25.00
SENIOR (Age 65+) - $20.00
FAMILY - $35.00 Immediate family
INDIVIDUAL LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP**
$100.00 per person It pays for itself in only four years.
** LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP includes member benefits at OVER 1100 other museums in North America thanks to our affiliation with NARM. (North American Reciprocal Museum Association)
These benefits at other museums may include free or reduced admissions or fees, museum store discounts, discounts on programs and presentations, special exhibits, etc.
Membership dues cover only a small percentage of our annual budget. Fundraising is a constant reality.
Other gifting options include:
Donor: $75.00 Benefactor: $150.00
All additional donations, regardless of the amount are sincerely appreciated. Funds will be used to help cover operating expenses and to provide supplies and materials that will allow the Historical Society to continue to provide all services FREE OF CHARGE.
To see a list of all participating
museums, go online to
and then plan to visit these fine
facilities to take full advantage
of your RAM LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
RAM MEMBERSHIPS MAKE GREAT GIFTS
Every member receives our
quarterly newsletter.
Program Plans for late 2022
Once again we are prepared to begin meeting as the Rockford Area Historical Society. It will be a little different in that we will be meeting on the first WEDNESDAY of the month at 7:00 P.M. This change is in response to rules the City of Rockford has made for our use of the community cabin.
September 7, 2022 7:00 PM – A combined meeting with the Rockford Area HistoricalSociety and The Krause Memorial Library will be held at the Community Cabin with Dr.Michael J. Deeb as the speaker on, “Colonial America and the Road to Revolutionary War”. Refreshments will be served.
October 7, 2022 7:00 PM – The Rockford Area Historical Society will have museum director Ian McCormick present some the ghost stories associated with the Rockford area. The meeting is at the Community Cabin – all are welcome.
November 2, 2022 7:00 PM – Mr. Michael Cuneo will introduce superintendent Dr.Steve Matthews, and together they will give an update on Rockford Public Schoolsevents at the Rockford Area Historical Society meeting. This will be held at theCommunity Cabin and refreshments will be served.
If you like:
ROCKFORD,
HISTORY, and
FRIENDLY PEOPLE...
...YOU'LL LOVE
being a member of the
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
AS FEW AS 3 HOURS PER MONTH WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL,AND...
VOLUNTEERING IS FUN.
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
YOU CAN EVEN SCHEDULE
YOUR TIME TO VOLUNTEER WITH A FRIEND.
ROCKFORD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Since its formation in 1967, the Rockford Area Historical Society's primary goal has been the collection and preservation of material that helps to tell the story of the Rockford area's heritage. Through the efforts of the founders and those who have followed them, the RAHS has amassed a collection that is the envy of many larger facilities and organizations. Our Burch Research Room at the new RAM contains files on every aspect of Rockford life including businesses, area churches, law enforcement agencies, banks, schools, cemetaries, natural disasters, area families, and much more. Local newspapers dating back to the 1870's are available on microfilm and, even more remarkably, as hard copies which are stored in the building's most secure location.
Volunteers continue to work tirelessly to maintain and update files so that today's Rockford area is documented for the enjoyment and education of future generations just as the past was saved for us. As our slogan proclaims...THEY SAW THE FUTURE... ...WE HONOR THE PAST.
616 866-2235