The Society, founded in 1874, originally resolved “to collect and preserve things of the past, present, and future appertaining to the county which will delight and instruct the present and future inhabitants.”
Over time, the mission and activity of the Society has become more focused. We provide educational and cultural experiences through our four main attractions:
- The Governor Moses Wisner homestead, known as Pine Grove.
- The Drayton Plains One Room School, moved to the property in 1965
- The Research Library and Archives, containing extensive materials often not available elsewhere
- The Pioneer Museum, highlighting the county’s rural past
We are a non-profit, member-based, 501(c)3 organization not affiliated with any governmental unit. Our work is supported by modest annual membership dues, program fees, corporate and grant support, and tax-deductible donations.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in promoting and preserving the county’s history.
In June 2010 we adopted the following:
Mission Statement
Established in 1874, the Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society is the oldest continuously operating non-profit historical society in Michigan. The role of our society is to preserve and convey the contribution of Oakland County in the evolution of American History.
We trace our past and educate the community of its heritage by maintaining and featuring Pine Grove, which includes the homestead of Michigan’s 12th governor, an 1860’s one room school house, and the carriage house library and museum.
We maintain a collection of significant and unique Oakland County historical artifacts and records for public availability. We believe preservation of the past leads to enrichment of the future.
Strategic Plan
Over the course of several months, the Society worked with The Detroit Executive Service Corps (DESC) to develop a Strategic Plan to strengthen us for the future. Directors, members, volunteers, and representatives from outside groups, such as other historical societies and school systems, met regularly to discuss our mission, vision, strengths and weaknesses, and to develop goals and priorities.
Mike West, who led us through the process along with the DESC team, compiled the results into usable, working documents to help guide our efforts toward sustaining and improving the organization. The Board formally adopted the Plan in June 2010.
For a one page summary, please click on the link below. Expanded copies (Condensed or Full Versions) are available to OCPHS members upon request.