Renee Tierney has been working at the Meridian Historical Village for three years, but she isn’t sure many township citizens know much about it.
“No one really knows this place, but it is wonderful and suitable for touring and living,” she said.
Located off Grand River, tucked behind the township offices, the Meridian Historical Village was built in 1849.
The first frame house by cabinetmaker Melzor Turner, that were constructed in Okemos. From a resident house to an antique shop, the farm house has experienced and witnessed historical movements and changes. There are six other houses that were built in the 19th century. After relocating and re-moderating, this historical village still serve their purpose and open to the public.
The historical village is open to elementary students for history lessons. It displays how ancestors live and do chores on a farm in the 19th century. The experience main to provide students to love the experience of learning history lessons visually instead of just reading in front of textbooks. Not only the village is offering opening to students, but also for teachers.
“We are also going to host a teacher conference that is coming up for over 2,500 people,” said Holly Cordill, an education coordinator of the historical village. “This is a great opportunity for our educating programs as well as getting experts from different areas.”
Not only is the historical village is used for history lessons for the children, but also is used for celebration for brides and grooms. The Chapel, a reproduction from 1870, hosts a small weddings for people.
Patrick Reynolds, who is not only in charge of the executive director and wedding coordinator of the historical village, but also the communication outreach. He is also concerned about the future of the village.
He said: “In the 1970s, the bicentennial year there was a huge wave of interesting into the local history, but nowadays is more about trying to find the connection for people that can tied into history rather than approaching just history. Like trying to find the group that is interested in the name after some ghost, or someone who is interested in gardening so that we can talk about historical gardening.
“So we are trying to find the history that is related to their lives.”
The Meridian Historical Village is opens to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 4 until Oct. 26, according to its website.