Dearing Museum Renovation Wows Special Guests

After countless hours of volunteer work by a group of dedicated area residents, a two-year major renovation of the Florence B. Dearing Museum in the village area of Hartland is now complete.

And for a few dozen at a special invitation-only re-grand opening celebration Saturday night, the shiny hard wood floors sprinkled with displays that showcased Hartland's past didn't disappoint.

"I think it's wonderful," said 87-year-old Ann Snyder, Dearing's daughter, who traveled from Lansing with her daughter for the event that included music, wine and a mix of appetizers. "My parents both would be extremely proud."

The general public will get its first chance to venture inside Monday after a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting celebrating the re-grand opening. The museum will be open until noon at the start of the Memorial Day parade and then again from 1-2 p.m. Going forward, the museum will be primarily open for tours that can be scheduled by contacting the Hartland Area Historical Society.

Built in 1891, the hall also served as a fire hall and held social events over the years. Members of the society — which took ownership of the former Hartland Township Hall 40 years ago in 1971 to house the museum — say the effort has saved the building by adding heat, water and air conditioning while addressing a spate of structural issues.

"We've wanted to do it for a long time," said Hildy Foley, a former longtime postmaster in Hartland who has been part of the society since its founding.

Foley and many others credited Historical Society President Tom Parshall who's a descendant of one of the area's pioneer families for leading the effort.

"He's brought in so many volunteers and raised a lot of money," Township Supervisor Bill Fountain said. "I give him a lot of credit for bringing these people together. It's just another feel good part of Hartland Township."

Parshall said while the museum has re-opened, more needs to be done. Among the needs are insulation and remodeling a second level for offices and storage.

"The showing of support is very heartwarming," Parshall said. "We still got work to do and we still want help."

The society, meantime, also held its annual meeting in back portion of the hall in a the newly renovated area where the township fire engine was kept, electing Township Treasurer Kathie Horning to its board. The membership, which stands at about 150, costs $10 annual for an individual.

Snyder's daughter, also named Ann, said she and her mom enjoyed the event. Dearing, who served as the Cromaine librarian for 26 years, founded the museum in 1958 and it had been housed in the basement what is now of the main branch of the Cromaine District Library. An entire display is dedicated to Dearing and includes historic pictures and clothing. Other displays focus on the Hartland post office, its weaving industry and the area's rural and pioneer heritage.

"It's been fun to be here," said the younger Snyder, who traveled from the Milwaukee, WI, area for the reception. "She had a great time talking with people."

With the re-opening, Hartland has now added back an attraction to its historical center — something Fountain said will make the village area more viable.

"It's also important not to forget where you came from," he said.