Help Us Recreate the History of the Sturgeon Point Life Saving Station
We are participating in Giving Tuesday 2024. This is an opportunity to raise funds for an exciting project planned for 2025 to create new exhibits telling the story of the Sturgeon Point Life Saving Station. Built in 1876, its operations as Life Saving and Coast Guard Station ended in 1941 and the buildings were torn down. We propose to use ground penetrating radar to scan the area where buildings once were, establish their locations, and if feasible, conduct an archaeological dig at the site.
Giving Tuesday is a global effort to help support non-profit organizations in their missions to do good by asking for donations to be given on one day. This Year’s Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024.
Local participation in Giving Tuesday is through the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. All donations made through the Giving Tuesday Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan web page go directly to the AHS to fund this project. To donate, click on the following link and select Alcona Historical Society. The site will go live on December 3rd at 12 a.m. and will be available for 24 hours. www.cfnem.org
To make a donation to Recreate the History of the Life Saving Station before December 3, 2024 send a check to Alcona Historical Society/Giving Tuesday, P.O. Box 174, Harrisville, MI 48740. Or drop off a check at the Alcona County Review office, 111 Lake Street, Harrisville. These donations must be received before December 3 rd . Thank you for supporting the Society’s work on this project.
The Alcona Historical Society museums at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse State Park will be open for September 2024, Saturday and Sundays from 11 - 4. The tower will be open from 11- 3:30 if staffing is available. Admission to the tower is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Children must be 48" tall to climb the tower. The park grounds are open to the public year around. Hope to see you this fall.
Alcona Historical Society is largely a volunteer organization. We are always looking for volunteers to help us in many different ways. Please contact if you are interested in helping out. Thank you.
About the Alcona Historical Society
The Alcona Historical Society was formed to preserve the rich history of the Alcona County area. The society realizes the value of the past and its importance to future generations.
Members of the historical society provide educational tours and programs, including exciting opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy our three museums: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, Bailey School and the Lincoln Depot.
Group tours of each facility can be scheduled through the venue contact person and family picnics, reunions, outdoor parties and weddings may also be booked. Tents, chairs, electricity and parking arrangements are available for a minimum fee.
The organization relies on its members to fulfill the mission on which it was founded; to locate, preserve, protect, restore and record the historical records, objects, sites, and lands of Alcona County.
Members of the Society take pride in their stewardship of the 3 museums and donate hundreds of hours each year to greet visitors and explain the history of the lighthouse, museum and Great Lakes shipping, one room schoolhouse and depot with its caboose and switch engine.
Calendar of Events:
- Friday, May 24 - Opening day - We will be open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
- Saturday, August 3 - National Lighthouse Day Celebration - Family friendly activities all day 11-4. Ric Mixter will be presenting during the day. Flyer with more information to follow.
- Saturday, August 17th - Bay to Beacon Half Marathon and more, Go to their website link for more information.
Newspaper archives at the Library:
Alcona County newspaper back issues can be viewed on microfilm at the Alcona County Library.
- Alcona County Review: April 27, 1877, through the end of the most recent full year.
- Lincoln Herald: January 9, 1908 through March 3, 1910, when it became the Alcona County Herald: March 10, 1910 through January 27, 1993 (several missing, however).
Make a Donation:
There are many ways to show your support for the Alcona Historical Society. One way is through our fund with the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan.
You can click the link below to make your donation!
Contact Details
Harrisville, MI 48740
Some Useful Websites:
Event Application Form:
Thank you:
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The Alcona Historical Society is pleased to be the recipient of a Michigan Museum Recovery Act grant for 2022-23 operational expenses. Thank you Michigan Humanities Council! Funding for this grant has been provided by Michigan Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan.