The Tri-Cities Historical Museum is a gem located right in downtown Grand Haven. Founded in 1959 by a group of local history enthusiasts, they focus on the local history of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, Michigan. We got to sit down with Erica Layton, their Executive Director, to talk more about the museum, the museum team, and Erica’s role. This is definitely a spot you’ll want to visit if you’ve never been there!
About TCHM
The Tri-Cities Historical Museum (TCHM)’s mission is creating connection to local history. Their team is a super fun bunch of people passionate about inclusive local history and sharing that love with others. Entrance to the museum is free, and it’s a great place for adults and kids alike. They have some standard exhibits, but there are also lots of special exhibits that change out regularly, so each time you visit, you’ll walk away with something a little different. And you’ll always have a fun, immersive, and memorable experience.
Erica is a perfect fit
Erica has been with the TCHM since March of 2022, and it was immediately the perfect fit. As a high schooler, Erica wanted to be an archeologist or a professor, and her love of history spills over into her personal interests of watching old movies, reading books, and searching for fascinating antiques. She was living in Kansas City when she saw the job posted, and she came out for the interview in the dead of Michigan winter. She fell in love with the museum and its mission and members, and she accepted the role.
Since becoming Executive Director, Erica has grown and learned so much from her job, her team, and the museum visitors. She says her job “is never dull—it’s always changing, challenging. My team is amazing, and I’m always impressed with the depth of knowledge they have. There’s a lot of teamwork and collaboration that we have.” The passion their staff has is apparent when you visit the museum or the Community Archive and Research Center (CARC).
Looking forward with TCHM
The TCHM is continuing to strategize and plan for the future as well. They’re constantly evaluating their programs and content to ensure the exhibits stay accurate and relevant, and engaging for all visitors. Their goal is always to connect with the community in a meaningful way and make sure that the museum is providing what the community wants and needs. They also plan to make some improvements to their building (built in 1871!) to ensure it stays in great shape. Erica says the goal is that the archives and museum be a “a vibrant, active place, that’s humming with activity.”
We hope you’ll take the time to visit the museum and its many exhibits. They’re open in the summers Tuesday–Friday 10–8, Saturday 12–8 and Sunday 12–5 (fall/winter hours are Tuesday–Friday 10–5, Saturday and Sunday 10–5). You won’t regret meeting their team, learning about local tri-cities history, and having a great time connecting with the past and its stories.
Visit their website for all the information you need!
