Oakland History Center at Pine Grove

Pioneer Reunion and Social
2019-07-27 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Join us as we celebrate the pioneers and early settlers of Oakland County at our annual summer event, this year called the “Pioneer Reunion and Social”.
Other cool news: FREE ADMISSION this year! Thanks to a generous donation, guests are invited to come participate in the Reunion with no admission cost (although any sales on the campus are of course not free).
Please bring your friends and family!

War’s Casualties: Hopes & Dreams Dashed - Robert Dustman
2019-06-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
A book based on letters home “Defining Moments: A True Story of War, Family Conflict & Reconciliation;” details how war shaped one man. This memoir, written by the soldier’s eldest son, captures in vivid detail Bill Dustman’s transformation from a boy into a man.
Robert’s presentation will not be a replay of the experiences his father, G. William Dustman, experienced in the South Pacific during World War II. Instead, he will talk about the hopes and dreams his father had for after the war which were never realized. It was those hopes and dreams, which kept him sane during times of strife on the battlefields to which he was sent.
A dynamic speaker, Robert Dustman is a former broadcast journalist who enjoyed a successful twenty-five year career as a reporter, anchor, news director, sports director and political editor at radio and television stations throughout the State of Michigan.

Cancelled: Underground Railroad Historic Site Tour III - Dr. Willie Payne
2019-05-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled. Look for another tour later in the year!
This tour explores sites in Pontiac, Orchard Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington and Detroit used to harbor southern fugitive slaves. You’ll hear stories of how local abolitionists helped them escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad.

Stories of the Myrick Palmer House - Mark Thomas
2019-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
The Myrick Palmer house has been home to members of some of Pontiac’s early pioneer families. This stately lady has graced West Huron Street for many years.
Evocative of a time long gone, Mark knows some of her secrets and will share them with you. Come hear him tell tales of this beautiful vintage home.
Mark Thomas is a member of OCPHS and excellent speaker. As a retired real estate broker he has intimate knowledge of some of the grand houses in the area. Mark is also intrigued with the preservation of motor vehicles.
Admission $7.00 – Light refreshments are provided.

USS Michigan: Great Lakes Guardian - Larry Hathcock
2019-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
For over eighty years the USS Michigan operated on the Great Lakes. When the Michigan was launched in December 1843, it became the first iron hulled ship in the US Navy. Built as a deterrent to British naval strength, the USS Michigan would become involved with stopping timber pirates, the King Strang assassination and the plot to free Confederate POW’s on Johnson’s Island during the Civil War.
This talk will cover the long career of this revolutionary and historic ship.
Cost: $7.00, light refreshments will be served.

Mini-Lecture: Native American Show & Tell presented by Dwight Keith
2019-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Dwight is past president of the Oakland County Earth Science and Rock Club, as well as being an avid collector & dealer of unusual antiques. Come see what he has in store as he shows some of his Native American artifacts and tells the tales of their origin. This talk is not to be missed!
Admission $7 – light refreshments will be served.

Mini-Lecture - Elizabeth Denison Forth - Rosie Richardson
2019-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Elizabeth Dennison Forth – Emancipated Woman
Presented by Rosie Richardson
Lisette Denison Forth was born a slave near Detroit, worked as a maid, became a Pontiac landowner, and philanthropist. Celebrating Black History Month, Rosie Richardson will speak on Lisette’s early life, freedom, and her contribution in the building of St James Episcopal Church in Grosse Ile. Her life story has been documented by Michigan Historic Site Markers, the National Register of Historic Places, Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, and Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Honoree.
Admission $7 ~ Light refreshments

OCPHS Appreciation Reception
2019-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society is the steward of the estate of Pine Grove. This commitment is accomplished through the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers and friends. Come join us for an evening to show you our appreciation of your support! Thank you!

Pine Grove Closed - Snow Day
2019-02-12 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Baby, it’s cold outside. And the Pontiac School District sets our schedule – we follow along. The schools are closed today.

Meet the Author & Book Signing - John Cohassey
2019-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
** Note: Event Rescheduled Due To Weather **

Hot off the Presses!
Meet author John Cohassey as he shares information about the day to day experiences of the soldiers of the Michigan 22nd Infantry. John’s new book will be available for sale & signing that evening. This is an informal gathering, light refreshments will be provided.
This history explores the 22nd’s day-to-day experiences in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. John describes the challenges faced by volunteer farm boys, shopkeepers, school teachers and lawyers as they faced death, disease and starvation on battlefields and in Confederate prisons.
6 to 8 pm Wednesday evening, there is no charge for this event.
Event is held in the Carriage House at Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Pontiac, Mi 48342.

OCHA First Meeting
2019-02-05 09:30 - 11:30 | Waterford Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI, 48329, United States
The first meeting of the Oakland County History Alliance (soon to have a different name).
Here is the agenda:
– Meet and greet
– Presentation – what the OCHA is all about
– Discussion: Structure of the organization, participation levels, meeting frequency, and in general how we all want this to work
– Choose a new name for this alliance – we can’t use alliance
– Time dependent: break out into individual groups to discuss areas of common interest
– Establishing the next meeting venue and date

Pine Grove Closed - Snow Days!
2019-01-29 - 2019-01-30 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Baby, it’s cold outside. And the Pontiac School District sets our schedule – we follow along.
Pine Grove is closed Tuesday January 29th and Wednesday January 30th due to the weather.
Here’s hoping for Thursday!

Pine Grove Closed - Snow Day!
2019-01-23 | Michigan
The Pontiac School District is closed today due to road conditions, and since the schools are closed, well then so are we. Please stay safe out there, we will be open Thursday, weather permitting.

Photo of the Pine Grove campus, circa 1920. Courtesy of the David C Wallace Collection, Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society.

Confederate Postage in the Civil War - Tom Nelson
2019-01-20 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Confederate Postage in the Civil War
Presented by Tom Nelson, Adjunct Professor at MCCC – Tom will be presenting a slide show of the history of the Confederate States postal system during the Civil War.
At first the South used pre-war postage stamps and local provisionals. By June 1861 the System had become centralized in Richmond for the duration of the war. Tom will present the postage In chronological order as they were issued with the particulars behind each stamp.
Admission $7 ~ Light refreshments will be served.

Free Children's Holiday Party in the Schoolhouse!
2018-12-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakland History Center Drayton Plains Schoolhouse, 405 Cesar E Chavez, Pontiac, MI, 48342, United States
Join us as we host a free Holiday Party for kids in our schoolhouse!

Wisner Mansion Tour Day
2018-12-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2018-12-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Visit the Wisner Mansion all decked out in Victorian Holiday splendor!

Children's Holiday Workshop in the Schoolhouse
2018-12-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakland History Center Drayton Plains Schoolhouse, 405 Cesar E Chavez, Pontiac, MI, 48342, United States
Join us as we host a Holiday Workshop in the Schoolhouse! Make ornaments, learn a little history, have a lot of fun!

Children's Holiday Workshop - In the Schoolhouse
2018-12-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakland History Center Drayton Plains Schoolhouse, 405 Cesar E Chavez, Pontiac, MI, 48342, United States

Victorian Open House
2018-12-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
A Wisner Family Celebration

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 1 to 4 PM
at
Pine Grove
405 Cesar E Chavez
Pontiac, MI 48342

Admission: $7 per person, $15 per family of 5.

Tour Governor Moses Wisner’s home all decked out in Victorian splendor!

Visit with Good Old St. Nick, enjoy music, carols, cocoa and cookies
Private Tours of the Wisner Mansion – December 9th and 16th from 1 to 4 PM!

Enter a drawing to win a holiday quilt!
To find out how to win, see one of us at the Victorian Open House!

Come visit your hometown museum!

Holiday Extravaganza Parade and WinterFUN Festival
2018-12-01 | Downtown Pontiac, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Who doesn’t love a parade? Or a winter festival?
A FREE winter festival and parade in downtown Pontiac, Michigan! Bring the whole family down!

Including a historic trolley tour of Pontiac’s historic buildings!

Underground Railroad Historic Site Tour
2018-11-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Due to high demand, historian Willie Payne and the Oakland County Historical Society will conduct a second Underground Railroad Historic Site Tour.
You will explore sites in Pontiac, Orchard Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington and Detroit used to harbor southern fugitive slaves and hear stories of how local abolitionists helped them escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad.

Capacity: 56 people, transportation by coach.
Cost: $35.00 per person, includes light lunch.

Book Signing - Leslie Pielack: "The Saginaw Trail: From Native American Path to Woodward Avenue"
2018-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Join us at Pine Grove to hear from Leslie Pielack about her new book, “The Saginaw Trail: From Native American Path to Woodward Avenue”, get your copy and have it signed by Leslie, and enjoy some light refreshments as we continue to celebrate Pontiac’s bicentennial week!
From: 6-8 PM in the Carriage House.
Admission is free, donations are happily accepted.

The Haunted Mansion at Pine Grove
2018-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
A family friendly tour of 19th century customs, featuring the ghosts of the Wisner family and friends telling their stories.
Children’s crafts and light refreshments served in the Schoolhouse after your tour.
Tickets: $10.00 per person, sold in the Gift Shop.

1818 Expedition and the Original Pontiac Plan
2018-10-14 14:00 - 16:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
In October of 1818, five men spent twelve days exploring Oakland County’s lakes area. When they returned, they wrote a newspaper article describing what they found in glowing terms. When it was received in Detroit and New York, the article kicked off the settlement of Pontiac and the creation of Oakland County.
Why did they go? What did they see? What did they do when they returned?
As with all things, this expedition didn’t happen in a vacuum – there were events brewing and plans afoot – on the national stage, in the newly created Michigan territory, in Detroit, and in the future Oakland County.
It’s a fast moving story of volcanoes, Native Americans, businessmen and the founding of an inland town called Pontiac. It’s a story of land sales, future leaders in their youth, and the early explosive growth of our home ground.
Join Barbara Frye and Dave Decker on October 14th as they put this journey into context and celebrate this exploration, the founding of Pontiac and the early settlement of Oakland County.

1818 Expedition Presentation - Bloomfield Historical Society
2018-10-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48302, United States
Join 4 presenters as they tell the story of an early expedition into the county.

5th Annual Dinner and Auction: Saddle Up!
2018-10-05 18:00 - 22:00 | Lafayette Grande Ballroom, 1 Lafayette Street, Pontiac, MI, 48342, United States
Saddle Up!
. A Dinner & Auction to benefit Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society, Pine Grove Historical Museum and the Wisner House.
When:
Friday, October 5, 2018 6 P.M. – 10 p.m.
Where:
Lafayette Grande Banquet Facility
1 Lafayette, Downtown Pontiac
Buffet Dinner/Cash Bar
Live & Silent Auctions

Tickets:
$40 per person
(Hurry: Only $35 if purchased by Sep. 21!)
Click here to purchase through our online store. Your tickets will be available at the door. If you would like them mailed to you in advance, please contact our office.
$40.00 $35.00Add to cart
Theme:
Lasso your friends for a rootin’ tootin’ good time as we celebrate westward expansion into Oakland County 200 years ago!
“Western” attire encouraged but not required!

Donations
Do you have items you’d like to donate to the auctions?
We are also looking for sponsors!
For information on donating items or sponsoring this wonderful evening,
contact the office!

For more information, contact OCPHS:
248-338-6732 / www.ocphs.org / office@ocphs.org
OCPHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to
preserving and conveying Oakland County’s history
Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with applicable law
Tax ID #38-1846291 MICS #7467

Underground Railroad Historic Site Tour with Willie Payne
2018-09-29 09:00 - 17:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Due to popular demand, there’s a second tour!
November 10, 2018, same time, same place!
To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

2018 Annual Ice Cream Social
2018-07-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Pine Grove, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Save the Date!
Saturday July 28,2018, 11am to 5 pm.
Fun for the whole Family – details to follow!
$7 per person – $15 for a family of 5

Board Meeting
2018-07-21 09:30 - 12:00 | OCPHS Carriage House, 405 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
Open to members.
