Manchester Area Historical Society

Blacksmith Shop Concert Series - Brian Oberlin's Chaprrals
2024-02-17 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring Brian Oberlin’s Chaparrals
Join us for an exciting evening of live music at the Blacksmith Shop! The Manchester Area Historical Society is proud to present the Blacksmith Shop Concert Series, featuring the incredible talents of Brian Oberlin’s Chaparrals.
Brian Oberlin is an internationally acclaimed mandolin player and educator. During his decades long professional career, Brian has been playing swing, bluegrass, and Italian classical as a solo mandolinist and vocalist.
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Manchester Area Historical Society – Blacksmith Shop
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience live music in a historic setting. Grab your friends and family and come on down to the Blacksmith Shop for a night of toe-tapping fun!
Click here to purchase tickets

Spinning Wool on a Spindle and on a Wheel
2024-02-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Spinning Wool on a Spindle and on a Wheel
Thursdays Feb 15, 22 and 29, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost $60 Materials Fee $10 (includes 2 oz of roving made from Dave Renner’s flock
and our Fall 23 event Wool Skirting – cash only please)
Margaret Shaw instructor
Maximum Class size: 6 people
Learn to spin wool in this historic craft class. Begin with a support spindle or join a partner and
team spin on a spinning wheel. You’ll have 3 weeks to learn and practice, and you are also
welcome to practice spinning on our wheels during our Sunday open house hours. Bring your
own wheel if you have one.
Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop Sundays from 1-4 pm, or email
historiccraftproject@gmail.com
Cash or check accepted for class fee. Please make checks payable to:
Manchester Area Historical Society.
Materials Fee should be paid by cash only. Fees will be collected at the first class.
Please note, your class fee will go in its entirety towards supporting the Historic Craft Project –
a non-profit volunteer-organized effort, which is a part of Manchester Area Historical Society.
Classes will be in the craft room in the back of the Blacksmith Museum –
324 E Main St, Manchester, MI
In the event of snowy weather and ice storms, class may be re-scheduled, and the class fee
will carry over to the newly re-scheduled date (in April) or be reimbursed to the participant, if
they prefer that.
We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

Beginning Knitting (kids ages 5-16)
2024-02-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
– Beginning Knitting (kids ages 5-16)
Saturdays, Feb 10, 17, 24, Mar 2, 1-3 pm
Cost $80
Materials Fee $20 (cash only please, includes needles and yarn)
Colleen Schoenfeld instructor
Maximum Class size: 10 kids
Kids learn the basics of knitting (cast on, knit stitch, bid off) while making a small project.
Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop Sundays from 1-4 pm, or email
historiccraftproject@gmail.com
Cash or check accepted for class fee. Please make checks payable to:
Manchester Area Historical Society.
Materials Fee should be paid by cash only. Fees will be collected at the first class.
Please note, your class fee will go in its entirety towards supporting the Historic Craft Project –
a non-profit volunteer-organized effort, which is a part of Manchester Area Historical Society.
Classes will be in the craft room in the back of the Blacksmith Museum –
324 E Main St, Manchester, MI
In the event of snowy weather and ice storms, class may be re-scheduled, and the class fee
will carry over to the newly re-scheduled date (in April) or be reimbursed to the participant, if
they prefer that.
We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

Handmade Valentines: Paper Cut and Woven Cards
2024-02-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
– Handmade Valentines: Paper Cut and Woven Cards
Thursday, Feb 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost $40
Materials Fee $5
Margaret Shaw instructor
In the past, Valentines were made by hand. Learn the art of paper cutting and be able to craft
your own stunning cards for all occasions. Recipients will appreciate and cherish them. Bring:
small scissors, interesting papers such as old letters, sheet music, or magazine pages if
inclined.
Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop Sundays from 1-4 pm, or email
historiccraftproject@gmail.com
Cash or check accepted for class fee. Please make checks payable to:
Manchester Area Historical Society.
Materials Fee should be paid by cash only. Fees will be collected at the first class.
Please note, your class fee will go in its entirety towards supporting the Historic Craft Project –
a non-profit volunteer-organized effort, which is a part of Manchester Area Historical Society.
Classes will be in the craft room in the back of the Blacksmith Museum –
324 E Main St, Manchester, MI
In the event of snowy weather and ice storms, class may be re-scheduled, and the class fee
will carry over to the newly re-scheduled date (in April) or be reimbursed to the participant, if
they prefer that.
We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

Blacksmith Shop Concert Series - Warren & Flick
2024-01-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series – Warren & Flick
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music at the Blacksmith Shop! We are thrilled to present the talented duo, Warren & Flick, who will be performing their captivating tunes. Get ready to tap your feet and sing along as they take the stage at the Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society. This in-person event promises to be a delightful experience filled with soulful melodies and good vibes. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy live music in a charming setting. Grab your friends and come on down to the Blacksmith Shop Concert Series – Warren & Flick!
Warren & Flick explore the nuanced textures of a two-person ensemble. Using both original material and arranged standards from many genres, this ensemble finds new depth in the simplicity of a duo. Jacob Warren plays double bass, while Grant Flick plays violin, tenor guitar and nyckelharpa.
Purchase tickets here
Acoustic String Duo | Warren & Flick

Beginning Knitting (adult)
2024-01-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
– Beginning Knitting (adult)
Thursdays, Jan 18, 25, and Feb 1, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost $60
Annette Siffin instructor
Maximum Class size: 8 people
This is a class for beginning knitters. You will learn how to cast on, the basic knit stitch, and how
to bind off, while creating your own small simple scarf. You will also be presented with a couple
of different ideas for finishing the ends of the scarf using fringe or ribbon. Please bring your own
knitting needles (straight or circular – can be size 8 with worsted or aran weight yarn, or size 10
with bulky yarn) and approx 200-400 yds of yarn (scarf length will depend on how much yarn
you have). We will have some needles and yarn to practice with at the first class if you are not
sure what to buy.
Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop Sundays from 1-4 pm, or email
historiccraftproject@gmail.com
Cash or check accepted for class fee. Please make checks payable to:
Manchester Area Historical Society.
Materials Fee should be paid by cash only. Fees will be collected at the first class.
Please note, your class fee will go in its entirety towards supporting the Historic Craft Project –
a non-profit volunteer-organized effort, which is a part of Manchester Area Historical Society.
Classes will be in the craft room in the back of the Blacksmith Museum –
324 E Main St, Manchester, MI
In the event of snowy weather and ice storms, class may be re-scheduled, and the class fee
will carry over to the newly re-scheduled date (in April) or be reimbursed to the participant, if
they prefer that.
We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

Embellishing Knit Fabrics with Embroidery
2024-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
– Embellishing Knit Fabrics with Embroidery
Tuesday, Jan 16, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost $40
Materials fee: $5 (cash only please)
Participants must sign-up for this class in advance. No drop-ins please.
Rita Halford instructor, please register ahead of time
Maximum Class size: 6 people
This class explores embellishing techniques using embroidery. Demonstrations will be given on
3 different types of fabric (knit fine gauge, knit large gauge and woven fine gauge). We will take
a look at fabric stabilizer options and play with silk embroidery thread, as well as DMS floss and
mercerized cotton thread. We will delve into how to prepare for an embellishment project, how
to launder it, when necessary, how to securely weave in ends and how to set yourself up for
success when choosing a piece of plain clothing to embellish.
Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop Sundays from 1-4 pm, or email
historiccraftproject@gmail.com
Cash or check accepted for class fee. Please make checks payable to:
Manchester Area Historical Society.
Materials Fee should be paid by cash only. Fees will be collected at the first class.
Please note, your class fee will go in its entirety towards supporting the Historic Craft Project –
a non-profit volunteer-organized effort, which is a part of Manchester Area Historical Society.
Classes will be in the craft room in the back of the Blacksmith Museum –
324 E Main St, Manchester, MI
In the event of snowy weather and ice storms, class may be re-scheduled, and the class fee
will carry over to the newly re-scheduled date (in April) or be reimbursed to the participant, if
they prefer that.
We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

MAHS Monthly Meeting
2023-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
MAHS strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House.
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history!

MANCHESTER AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
General Membership Meeting
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 7:00 PM
MAHS Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main
AGENDA
1. Recent and Upcoming MAHS Activities
Blacksmith Shop Concerts – resume Saturday January 20
BSS Crafting Classes (Wednesday evenings at BSS)
“Deconstructing the Past” Summary Talk – In development
Sunday “historical workshops” – Begin in February at the KJ House
Addition of Comcast Internet Access to KJ House – Jaimie Schmidt
Spring 2024 Historic Home Tour – Merrill Guerra and Jaimie Schmidt
Seeking Potential Topics for 2024 MAHS Meetings – Ray Berg
2. Presentation – “Albert Kahn Family Women, A Quiet Dignity”
Carol Kahn (Manchester Township)
Refreshments: Caroline Lange and Michael Hobbs

Next Meeting: Thursday, February 8, 7:00 PM – “Show and Tell”, Jim Wilson, Moderator

Christmas in the Village
2023-12-02 09:00 - 15:00 | MI
Manchester Area Historical Society will be open for the Christmas in the Village celebration! Come visit craft vendors at the KJ House, shop our gift shop, visit the museum, or stop by the Blacksmith Shop!!!

Blacksmith Shop Concert Series - Rochelle Clark & The Familiars
2023-11-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series – Rochelle Clark & The Familiars
Join us for an incredible evening of live music with the talented Rochelle Clark & The Familiars at the Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society. This concert series is known for its intimate atmosphere and unforgettable performances. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the magic of live music surrounded by the rich history of the Blacksmith Shop. Get your tickets now and prepare to be blown away!
A renowned Michigan singer-songwriter with a singular powerful and expressive voice, Rochelle Clark has been captivating audiences throughout Michigan and the Midwest for years, initially as part of the acclaimed Americana duo, The Potter’s Field, and more recently as a solo performer. Drawing on her roots in Folk, Americana, and Country – Rochelle has found a sound that is uniquely her own.
In addition to performing as a solo artist, she can also be found performing regularly in a duo with her partner, Jason Dennie, or with her own band, The Familiars. Rochelle released her first single, Jericho, in 2019 and her first solo studio recording in 2020, an EP titled, In Time.
Purchase tickets here
Check out her website here!

MAHS Monthly Meeting
2023-11-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
MAHS strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House.
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history!

Trick or Treating on the Porch
2023-10-31 17:00 - 19:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Stop by the KJ House during Manchester’s trick or treating hours and receive your trick or treat in an unusual way!!!!

Haunted Walking Tour - SOLD OUT
2023-10-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States

Blacksmith Shop Concert
2023-10-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series – Erik McIntyre & Alex Belhaj
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at the Blacksmith Shop! We are thrilled to present the talented duo of Erik McIntyre and Alex Belhaj. Get ready to be mesmerized by their captivating performances.
Date: October 21, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society
Don’t miss this in-person event that promises to be a delightful experience for music enthusiasts. Come and enjoy the rich ambiance of the historical Blacksmith Shop while being serenaded by the incredible talents of Erik McIntyre and Alex Belhaj. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!
Order your tickets here!

Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse
2023-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse, 11703 Noggles Rd, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
The Manchester Area Historical Society is hosting a series of workshops that began on Saturday, October 7th at the historic Sutton/Kolongowski farmhouse, located at 11703 Noggles Road in Manchester Township. The focus of these workshops is to document the history of this property, and the deconstruction of this home as the property prepares for transfer to Legacy Land Conservancy. The remaining workshops have been scheduled for October 21, October 28 and November 4 from 1-3 p.m. at 11703 Noggles Road.

Discover the hidden history of a humble farmhouse in southwest Manchester Township that has come to the end of its road. As the house is deconstructed, we will observe how the original structure of the house was augmented; examine the building methods and materials used over the decades; and tell the stories of the two families who called this place home – all in the context of the unique history and natural resources of the Iron Creek area.

MAHS is partnering with several organizations to present these workshops:

Ray Berg, Manchester Area Historical Society
Marian Feinberg, Eastern Michigan University, Preservation Studies M.S. candidate & Halle Library Archives Assistant
Laura Sutton, great-great granddaughter of Richard Sutton who built the house in 1858
Sybil Kolon, granddaughter of Louis Kolongowski who updated the house in 1949
Silas Bialecki, lifelong Iron Creek resident and passionate interpreter of natural resources and local indigenous history.

These workshops will reconstruct our understanding of this house, its occupants, the neighborhood and the landscape where it was built in 1858.

For further details, see this link: Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse (mahsmi.org)

The workshops are free, but we ask you to register at this EventBrite link: Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse Tickets

We look forward to having you join us!

Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse
2023-10-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse, 11703 Noggles Rd, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
The Manchester Area Historical Society will be hosting a series of workshops beginning Saturday, October 7, 1:00 PM at the historic Sutton/Kolongowski farmhouse, located at 11703 Noggles Road in Manchester Township. The focus of these workshops is to document the history of this property, and the deconstruction of this home as the property prepares for transfer to Legacy Land Conservancy.

Discover the hidden history of a humble farmhouse in southwest Manchester Township that has come to the end of its road. As the house is deconstructed, we will observe how the original structure of the house was augmented; examine the building methods and materials used over the decades; and tell the stories of the two families who called this place home – all in the context of the unique history and natural resources of the Iron Creek area.

MAHS is partnering with several organizations to present these workshops:

Ray Berg, Manchester Area Historical Society
Chris Rutherford, Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, Executive Director
Marian Feinberg, Eastern Michigan University, Preservation Studies M.S. candidate & Halle Library Archives Assistant
Laura Sutton, great-great granddaughter of Richard Sutton who built the house in 1858
Sybil Kolon, granddaughter of Louis Kolongowski who updated the house in 1949
Silas Bialecki, lifelong Iron Creek resident and passionate interpreter of natural resources and local indigenous history.

The series will comprise 4 sessions, beginning on October 7th. The remaining sessions will be scheduled according to the somewhat unpredictable progress of the actual deconstruction, but we expect to be meeting weekly on Saturdays.

For further details, see this link: Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse (mahsmi.org)

The workshops are free, but we ask you to register at this EventBrite link: Deconstructing the Past of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse Tickets, Sat, Oct 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

We look forward to having you join us!

MAHS Monthly Meeting
2023-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
MAHS strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House.
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history!
Please join us for our September meeting at the Blacksmith Shop where we will be conducting Crafting Demonstrations!

Manchester Historic Craft Project
2023-09-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
We will be meeting in the textile shop (in back of Blacksmith Shop) for fun’d-raising craft activities and, again, we welcome anyone who would like to join in! Every Wednesday will be focused on working with a specific craft technique to create historic craft items to sell during Christmas in the Village: using wool appliqué to make pin cushions/ornaments, rug hooking for ornaments/coasters, hand-sewn pockets, and paper cutting for ornaments and greeting cards.
Materials will be provided.
September 13 — wool appliqué
September 20 — rug hooking
September 27 — hand-sewn pockets
October 4 — paper cutting
October 11 — hand-sewn sachets

Garage Sale
2023-07-29 09:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States

Blacksmith Shop Open
2023-07-15 16:00 - 20:00 | MI
Blacksmith Shop open during Manchester Chicken Broil!

Manchester Historic Craft Project at the Blacksmith Shop Museum
2023-06-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
The Manchester Historic Craft Project at the Blacksmith Shop Museum is hosting a recurring event to encourage volunteers to join us, while at the same time teach historic craft, and sell it to sustain the program. The textile area of the Project will be offering a weekly gathering on Thursday evenings, beginning June 8 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Blacksmith Shop Museum. The focus will be to craft items that can be sold in our gift shops. Instruction and materials will be provided. The items we make will use techniques and craft that are demonstrated on Sundays and special events, such as: rug hooking, wool appliqué, paper cutting, spinning, weaving, and other craft that we expand into our program.
Consider joining us to learn, teach, volunteer and create a sustainable community program.
We are also requesting specific tools and materials for donation that can be dropped off on Sundays at the Blacksmith Shop Museum. Our current wish list includes a Treadle Sewing Machine in working order, 100% woven wool fabric (bolt, light weight blanket‐army/navy, skirt, trousers), and 100% linen fabric (bolt, or clothing).

MAHS Annual Picnic
2023-06-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Norma Every Farm, 11533 Braun Rd, Manchester, 48158
We are planning to once again hold our annual MAHS picnic on Thursday, June 8, at 6:00 PM, at the home and historic barn setting of Norma Every, 11533 Braun Road (SW corner of Lima Center Road), in Bridgewater Township. This wonderful barn setting has served as our gathering place for previous MAHS picnics, and we are very pleased that Norma has agreed to once again host this event! She also wants everyone to see the additional restoration work she has been performing on her buildings!

MAHS will supply plates, utensils, napkins, cups, etc., as well as a variety of drinks. We ask you to bring a dish of your choice to share.

We will also have our usual “white elephant” ticket event. Please consider bringing an item from around your home (old, new, antique, unusual) that you wish to donate to this fun event. You will receive a ticket for the drawing to choose one of the items.

We’d appreciate your response if you are coming, so we can plan accordingly. Please reply to rayberg@att.net

MAHS Monthly Meeting
2023-05-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
MAHS strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House.
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history!
MAHS Agenda May 11 2023 (1)
Search for the Oldest Photographs of Manchester!!! Refreshments provided.

KJ Museum and Gift Shop Open
2023-04-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States

MAHS Monthly Meeting
2023-04-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Thursday, April 13, 2023 @ 7:00 PM – Guest speaker – Jason Eyster, Chelsea Area Players
We’ll have a presentation by guest Jason Eyster on the upcoming play “The Only Man in Town”, which will be performed in Chelsea in June. Learn about Frank Glazier, a prominent Chelsea manufacturer and developer, as Jason will present a slide show on this interesting part of Chelsea history along with musical performances from the play. A short business meeting with MAHS updates and refreshments will also be a part of this evening.
The play is to be presented June 9-11, 2023, at the Chelsea High School auditorium.
We hope to see you there!

MAHS Agenda April 13 2023

MAHS strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House.
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history!

Blacksmith Shop Open
2023-03-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
