Chippewa County Historical Society

CCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Chippewa County. The Society’s collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and artwork, relates to the county’s history. CCHS hosts educational programs and events, researches family history and area businesses, and maintains exhibits. In addition, CCHS coordinates activities and displays at the Historic Water Street Homes and Kemp Industrial Museum.

The Beginning

The CCHS traces its beginning to 1919 when Judge Charles H. Chapman helped start the Chippewa Historical Society. Eventually, the organization’s name was changed to Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS), but its essential mission remained the same, to preserve the history and heritage of Chippewa County.

The Society quickly started collecting books, pictures, documents, furnishings, and artifacts related to the county’s past. It maintained its collections with the assistance of the Carnegie Library, now Bayliss Public Library and the various people committed to the organization.

Reorganization – Rededication

In 1995, the Chippewa County Historical Society reorganized and rededicated itself to the original preservation, educational, and cooperative goals of the organization.

By 1997, a temporary home was found and the collections were brought back together.

After further growth, an important objective was realized when CCHS purchased the historic News Building at 115 Ashmun Street, as a permanent home for the Society. By 2007, the first floor of the building was renovated and the collections and the operational offices of the Society were moved in. The final payment was made on the mortgage on the building, achieving sole ownership in 2013

In 2015, the Façade Restoration Project was undertaken, with financial assistance from governmental sources and generous contributions from the membership and the public at large.

Board of Directors

20225 Board Members

• Carolyn Person, President
• Chris Delridge, Vice-President
• Mary M. June, Past President
• Sharon Dorrity, Treasurer
• Virginia Cymbalist, Recording Secretary

Members at Large

• Bob Aldrich
• Bernie Arbic
• Jim Dwyer
• Steve Gordon
• Dennis Hank
• Jason McLeod
• Ruth Neveu
• Patricia Olsen
• Janet Russell
• Karen Sabatine
• Robin Savoie
• Scott Smith