Lakeshore Museum Center

Knitters Night Out: Knitting and WWII
2025-03-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Do you need an excuse for a fun knit night out?
Join us from 6:00-8:00pm on March 20 for some knits and noshes. We will have social knitting time with light snacks from 6:00-6:30 with a brief 30-40 minute program on knitting in Muskegon during WWII followed by more knitting time. The museum will be open to knitters until 8:00pm.
We will have examples of WWII patterns that the citizens of Muskegon were knitting for the war effort along with a very special artifact from the collection. Bring your current work in progress and have a fun night out with other knitters (crocheters welcome as well)!
Don’t knit? Join us for the talk and snacks anyways. All are welcome.
This event is in conjunction with our “Homefront Heroes” Exhibit which looks at what life was like in Muskegon County during WWII.
This program is free, but reservations are requested.
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/knitters-night-out-knitting-and-wwii

Coffee with Classmates
2025-03-19 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-03-14 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-03-13 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-27 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-21 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-02-12 08:00 - 09:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Coffee with Classmates
Join the Lakeshore Museum Center to reminisce with materials from our collections and archives for each school. Drop in on your school’s date below for coffee, snacks, and memories with classmates. You are also welcome to bring your own yearbooks and photos to share.
Dates:
February 12th: Mona Shores
February 21st: Reeths-Puffer
February 27th: Muskegon
March 5th: Fruitport
March 13th: Orchard View
March 14th: Muskegon Catholic and Western Michigan Christian
March 19th: North Muskegon
March 26th: Muskegon Heights
Where: Muskegon Museum of History & Science 430 W. Clay Ave. Muskegon MI 49445
When: 8am-9am
————————————————————
April 1st from 1-2pm: Ravenna at Ravenna Library
April 2nd from 10-11am: Whitehall at White Lake Library
April 14th from 9:30-10:30am: Holton at Holton Library

March Saturdays: Magnet Science
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
How does a magnet work? Why does it push and pull? Stop by the museum for answers and try some hands-on learning with magnets.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

Little Learners Play & Learn Saturdays
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science on the third Saturday of October, November, January, February, March, April & May.
October 19November 16January 18February 15March 15April 19May 17
Little Learners is a free literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. During this 50-60 minute program, participants will be invited to join us for a 15-20 minute organized storytime with songs followed by free play including sensory stations, fine and gross motor skills stations, art stations, and more.
Registration via Zeffy is required but there is no charge for this program. All attendees must register, including caregivers & siblings.
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/098774bf-7e54-4967-be72-8a710c2a8064
We will have a free book for families to take home, as well as special crafts and activities to do.
Our themes for this session will be:Oct: DinosaursNov: Mini & Little Read of the LakeshoreDec: WinterJan/Feb: FeelingsMarch/April: ReptilesMay: People Movers

Muskegon Heritage Museum Spring Break Speaker Series - The Legacy and Impact of Black-Owned Media
2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, 561 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This year the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry will again be hosting a Spring Speaker Series. We will be looking at an exhibit in process about Black-Owned Media, and we will also be looking at a little-known WWII salvage material.
Both evenings are free to the public, but reservations are requested and light refreshments will be provided.
Register here: https://bit.ly/MHMBISpringSpeakerSeries
3/13/25The Legacy and Impact of Black-Owned Media
Join us at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry as community curators Dr. Pamela Smith and Mr. Andrew Sims share their progress and research on an upcoming exhibit on Black-Owned media platforms in Muskegon County and their importance.
These media platforms and their founders and stewards have had a profound impact on shaping narratives, amplifying voices, and driving social change in our community. This program will offer a glimpse into a developing exhibit of the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black publishers, broadcasters, and creators who defied systemic barriers to create platforms that celebrated Black culture, advocated for civil rights, and redefined the media landscape in our community.
4/3/25
Milkweed and WWII: Noxious Weed or Strategic Wartime Material
Join us, as Andi Kantola from the Muskegon Conservation District and Wendy VanWoerkom from the Lakeshore Museum Center help guests look at the milkweed plant. We will discuss the plant’s natural history and importance to habitats in our area. We will also look at how it transitioned from its status with farmers as a noxious weed in the 1940’s to its wartime role as a strategic material. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear about the contributions of Muskegon citizens to gather this most unusual salvage for the WWII effort.

Little Learners Play & Learn Fall ’24 – Spring ‘25
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, except November & December which will be the 2nd Thursdays only.
“Little Learners” is a free literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. During this program participants will be invited to join us for a 15-20 minute organized story time followed by free play.
Registration via Zeffy is required but there is no charge for this program. All attendees must register including caregivers & siblings.
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/e4967880-0e8c-4e8c-9f98-19b74b521a7b
This program will run for 50-60 minutes. During this program adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more! We will have a free book for families to take home as well as special crafts.Our themes for this session will be:Sept/Oct: DinosaursNov: Mini & Little Read of the LakeshoreDec: WinterJan/Feb: FeelingsMarch/April: ReptilesMay/June: People Movers
Funding for these programs has been provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and National Endowment of the Arts.

Homeschool Days
2025-03-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This hour and a half program will invite families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.
We will have time as a large group for an introduction and then families will be welcome to explore the theme stations and the museum on their own. Stations will be available until 11:30.
Schedule:● 10:00 – 10:15 Check in and Big Group Introduction● 10:20-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration (There will be at least two; one for older children and one for younger. Families will be welcome to do one the other or both.)● 11:30 Program Ends. Families are welcome to stay or depart.
Themes:● March 11: History and Science of Art● April 15: WWII and the Muskegon Homefront● May 20: Microscopic World
You must register via Zeffy for this program. We will be releasing links to sign up two-three months at a time.
Register here: March/April: https://bit.ly/LMCHomeschoolMarchApril

March Saturdays: Homemade Penny Spinner
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Come build a toy with us by cutting out a cardboard circle and attaching the colored circle, and insert the penny in the center for a fun spinner toy.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

March Saturdays: Life Cycles
2025-03-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Insects, mammals, and reptiles all take on different forms as they transition in their life cycles. Come in and see if you can identify whose who.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

Closing at 3 PM
2025-02-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
On Friday, 2/28, the Muskegon Museum of History and Science will be closing at 3 PM for special programming. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to your visit.

LMC Board of Directors Meeting
2025-02-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Lakeshore Museum Center’s Board of Directors Meetings will take place on the following days.
All will be held at 4:30pm in the MMHS Auditorium.

January 27 – Annual Meeting of the Membership, public welcome.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89978732994?pwd=[REDACTED]
February 24
March 24
April 28
May 19
June 23
July – no meeting
August 25
September 22
October 27
November 24
December 11

February Saturdays: Ice Skater Craft
2025-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Drop in for a winter themed craft! Take a white crayon to create an ice path, then paint on a layer of watercolor paints to reveal the tracks, lastly glue a few skaters onto your pond.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

Flashlight Tour
2025-02-21 20:00 - 21:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us for the Hackley & Hume Flashlight Tour! Experience these historic homes in a whole new light on a 60-minute interactive adventure. With flashlights in hand, you and your group will explore the hidden corners of the Hackley and Hume Houses, uncovering their beauty, intrigue, and the fascinating stories of the lives-and deaths-of those who once called them home.
Space is limited, so be sure to secure your tickets today!
When you arrive, check in at the City Barn (carriage house) behind the Hackley and Hume Historic Site. Free parking is available on Webster Avenue and 6th Street.
Intoxicated guests will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.
$15 for members & $20 for non-members.
Geared for ages 10 and up.
Register at Zeffy Link: bit.ly/FlashlightTour

Muskegon Museum of History and Science CLOSED
2025-02-19 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Muskegon Museum of History and Science will be closed all day on Wednesday, February 19 for staff professional development.

Mid-Winter Break - Grandparents Day Out!
2025-02-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Are you watching someone decades younger than you during mid-winter break?
Spend part of the break at the Museum!
We will have extra activities throughout the museum including conversation stations to compare childhood then and now, technology & toys of years past, and more.
Grandparents, Great-Aunts and Uncles, older neighbors and friends are all welcome.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

Homeschool Days
2025-02-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This hour and a half program will invite families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.
We will have time as a large group for an introduction and then families will be welcome to explore the theme stations and the museum on their own. Stations will be available until 11:30.
Schedule:● 10:00 – 10:15 Check in and Big Group Introduction● 10:20-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration (There will be at least two; one for older children and one for younger. Families will be welcome to do one the other or both.)● 11:30 Program Ends. Families are welcome to stay or depart.
Themes:● September 19: The Depression● October 15: Dinosaurs● November 19: Immigration● December 17: Innovators● January 21: Microscopic World● February 18: Food Science & History of Preservation● March 11: Art and Science Partner with the Art Museum● April 15: WWII and the Muskegon Homefront● May 20: Changes in Home Technology
You must register via Zeffy for this program. We will be releasing links to sign up two-three months at a time. Links will be released in August, October, December, & February.
Register here: https://bit.ly/LMCHomeschoolJanuaryFebruary
Funding for these programs has been provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and National Endowment of the Arts.

All LMC Sites Closed
2025-02-17 | MI
All Lakeshore Museum Center sites are closed today, February 17, in honor of President’s Day.

February Saturdays: Lumber Markings: Make and Take
2025-02-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
In this family activity, learn why log marks were created and then create and take home your own mini marked log.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

Home Front Heroes Exhibit Opening: Open House
2025-02-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This year marks the 80th anniversary since the end of World War II, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our special exhibit, Home Front Heroes. This exhibit honors the incredible contributions of Muskegon County businesses and residents who played a vital role in the war effort from home. From manufacturing essential wartime goods to supporting victory gardens, rationing, and blood drives, our community’s resilience and dedication helped shape the outcome of the war. Join us at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science as we celebrate this milestone and pay tribute to the everyday heroes who made such an impact during these transformative years and reflect with us on the lasting legacy of those who supported the war effort right here in Muskegon.
Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP by Feb 6 to marci@lakeshoremuseum.org/ 231-724-5544
Free for all attendees.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Darlene Collett
.

February Saturdays: Tissue Paper Kites
2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
In honor of National Kite Flying Day, we’ll be creating our own kites with straws and tissue paper!
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.

February Saturdays: Robots
2025-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Explore a few of the robots the museum has to offer. Navigate a maze with the Code and Go Mouse. Take Dash bot for a whirl and use it to create an art piece.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
