By Krystal Moralee

From Chris-Craft boats to a historic log cabin, the Algonac-Clay Historical Society (ACHS) preserves places and stories that help define this community. Through its fund at the Community Foundation, supporters can help ensure that history remains available for future generations to discover.

The Algonac-Clay Historical Society Fund marked its 30th anniversary in August and was established in 1996 with a modest $5,000 gift. The fund has since grown to over $48,000.

The fund provides both a financial safety net and a way for donors to help ensure ACHS’s work continues well into the future through planned gifts.

“If the museums and historic sites of Algonac and Clay Township mean something to you, consider including the Algonac-Clay Historical Society Fund in your estate plan,” said Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation. “A planned gift to this fund can help preserve beloved places and stories for future generations.”

Denny Dureno, one of the founding members of the fund, said what matters today is what the fund provides, which is ongoing support for ACHS’s operations, helping volunteers care for historic properties and more than 20,000 artifacts. Gifts to the fund build a lasting resource for the society’s work, from preserving collections to sharing local history with new generations.

The Algonac-Clay Historical Society was formed by combining the former Algonac Boating and Historical group and Clay Township Historical Society.

The society operates the Community Museum and Maritime Museum in Algonac, as well as a historic log cabin in Clay Township. Its collection tells not only the history of the community, but the remarkable boat-building heritage of an area synonymous with names including Chris-Craft and Gar Wood.

The Maritime Museum houses boats, motors, models, photographs, artwork, and other pieces of the area’s boating history, while the Community Museum occupies a Greek Revival building dating to around 1849. Volunteers maintain the museums, develop exhibits, catalog donations, assist with research requests, and preserve the collection.

That preservation work increasingly includes bringing history into the digital age. ACHS is working to digitize its extensive collection, protecting records previously maintained on paper and spreadsheets while ultimately making historical materials more accessible.

The society also continues finding ways to introduce that history to a new generation. New at the Maritime Museum this season is a “History Hunt,” a scavenger hunt inviting visitors younger than 17 to search the museum for seven pictured artifacts, with donated prizes for those who complete the activity.

Community support keeps admission to both museums free, giving families an opportunity to explore local history together. Growing the fund helps ACHS continue caring for these collections and welcoming future visitors.

That work, however, depends upon people willing to carry it forward. ACHS is continually looking for new members, volunteers, and supporters interested in preserving local history.

You can help preserve the places and stories you love with a gift to the Algonac-Clay Historical Society Fund today or by including the fund in your estate plan. To explore either option, contact Jackie Hanton at 810-984-4761 or jackie@stclairfoundation.org.