Contact Us

Who Are We?

Founded in 1974, the Friends of Historic Meridian is a nonprofit organization with the mission to create and sustain an active appreciation of local history.

We operate the 8 historic buildings that make up the Meridian Historical Village in the Central Park in Okemos.


Thank You To The Donors!
Our "A Taste of History"  fundraiser was a success! Thanks to Pilgrim House for sponsoring us and the thank you the following silent auction item donors.

Foods for Living
Brookdale Senior Living
Udderly Magic LLC
Summer Nights Apiaries LLC
MaMa C’s
Sandy Ridge Farm
Abundance Café (Erin Meadows- owner)

Christmas in the Village !
Our final event of the year is coming up  December 10th! 2pm-4pm 

This year we will be featuring
A performance by Girl Scout Troop 30074 skit and song at 2:30 in the chapel

A concert at 3:00pm in the Chapel by the Renaissance Singers.
Santa will be in the Barn 2-4 & children's crafts
are available from 2-4 in the schoolhouse.

The gift shop in the General Store will be open from 2-4
Portrait photographer Raymond Holt will be available in the Barn
Silent Auction Item: Winter Scenes Tavern Quilt
Tree Lighting at 4 pm

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All are invited to enjoy the Village grounds and surrounding trails throughout the year.  Our buildings are open to the public by appointment every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm from April 1, 2023 until October 28, 2023. 

​The Village hosts over 2700  elementary students annually on weekdays during the academic year.  Our busiest weeks are in the spring between March and June, and in the fall between September and November.    Because the buildings are booked many weeks in advance by teachers for their students, the general public is asked to refrain from entering unlocked buildings while school tours are in progress at the Village during the week.  
To schedule a tour of the Village outside of normal operating hours, please email or call the Village office at 517-347-7300.  Please allow at least one weeks notice for a private  tour. The office is located in the single story wing of the Barnes House.
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School Tours

Village Sampler (3 buildings):  Experience a sampling of 19th century life with visits to our one room school, farmhouse and either the tollgate house, general store  or log cabin.

School Combination: Students experience a morning in the school in this teacher conducted program, then visit two or more buildings after lunch. McGuffey’s Readers, slates and teacher’s manuals are provided. 

BIG History Lessons:   Students, teachers, and parents use the Village as their classroom for up to a week. 

Check our calendar for available dates, then email or call us today to book your school tour! Teachers ~ to allow us enough time to obtain the best docents for your visit, please book your school visit a minimum of two weeks in advance. BIG History Lessons require a minimum of 4 weeks notice. 

The Village Chapel

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​Our beautiful 19th century inspired chapel is available for rent for up to 100 guests for small weddings, musical programs, memorials, and other public events. For rental details, and answers to many frequently asked questions about the Chapel, please click below.