Gather. Preserve. Educate.
Events
Our Mission
“To promote an appreciation of history through acquisition of Manchester historical materials, to assist with restoration and preservation research of homes, churches and public buildings having special historical or architectural significance; to establish a museum open for viewing by the general public; to operate the same for educational purposes; to acquire and display articles of historical significance to the Village of Manchester and adjacent areas; to preserve the history of the area through taped and written interviews with area residents.”
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring O’Brien & Flick
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7:30 PM
Come join us for a fantastic evening of live music at the Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society. Get ready to be blown away by the incredible talent of O’Brien & Flick as they take the stage.
Hannah O’Brien and Grant Flick play a mix of original compositions and traditional pieces from various fiddling traditions. The duo began collaborating at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance in 2019. They found common ground despite coming from different backgrounds with Hannah from Irish fiddling and Grant from American improvisational idioms. In August 2021 they released their first duo record, “Windward.” This album features a collection of their original tunes but also some of their takes on fiddling standards. Their arrangements have been worked up without notation and sometimes incorporate improvised sections. While the duo feels at home on double fiddle, they also change instrumentation often incorporating tenor guitar and nyckelharpa. Their musical interests are broad and as a result their programs showcase an eclectic assemblage of repertoire.
This in-person event promises to be a night filled with amazing music, good vibes, and a whole lot of fun. So grab your friends, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready to groove to the mesmerizing tunes of O’Brien & Flick. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable concert experience!
Click here to purchase tickets
Website: https://www.obrienflickmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obrien.flick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBrienandFlick
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8WcbU4JPw5D6yC9brixBHQ
Latest album: https://grantflick.bandcamp.com/album/windward
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring Wilson Thicket
Friday, May 17, 2024, 7:30 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music at the Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society! We are thrilled to present Wilson Thicket as our headliner! Get ready to hear the acoustic soul of an Appalachian string band!
Wilson Thicket has the acoustic soul of an Appalachian string band, but there is more to this Thicket than just a patch of bluegrass! Wilson Thicket combines a hand-picked group of the top singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters that Michigan has to offer, with decades of performing experience under their collective belts. Old school favorites, creative covers, and dynamic original songs are all delivered with strong doses of vocal harmony and creative instrumental mastery. This music has plenty of roots and lots of grass. There may be some thorns, but also some flowers. Welcome to the thicket!
Tickets are limited, so grab yours now and get ready to dance the night away. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy live music in a unique setting. See you there!
Click here to purchase tickets
Website: Wilson Thicket | Bluegrass adjacent from SE Michigan
Instagram: Wilson Thicket (@wilsonthicket) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: (facebook.com/WilsonThicketBand
Twitter: twitter.com/wilsonthicket
Youtube: Wilson Thicket – YouTube
Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse
The workshops that kicked off this project were completed in early November 2023. We have, indeed, discovered a lot that we are just beginning to share. We continue to discover more of the intriguing history of this humble farmhouse in southwest Manchester Township. Built in about 1859, renovated and expanded in 1949, its history is being preserved with support from the Manchester Area Historical Society.
This project is ongoing. After lots of preliminary work, and a few delays, the frames of the house and shed were removed in November and December 2023 to save as much of the lumber and timbers as possible. The last step will be removal of the foundation, with portions of the stone foundation to be saved as a testament to the house it once supported. A commemorative sign is planned.