Manchester Area Historical Society

KJ Museum and Gift Shop Open
2024-06-30 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-09 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States

Blacksmith Shop Open
2024-06-30 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-09 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States

Blacksmith Shop Concert Series - Wilson Thicket
2024-05-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring Wilson Thicket
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music at the Blacksmith Shop! The Concert Series is back, and this time we are thrilled to present Wilson Thicket as our headliner. Get ready to hear the acoustic soul of an Appalachian string band!
Date: Friday, May 17, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society
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 order tickets

Blacksmith Shop Concert Series - O'Brien & Flick
2024-04-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring O’Brien & Flick
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 order tickets

Deconstructing the Past Summary Talk - Sutton/KolongowskiFarm
2024-04-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Kingsley-Jenter House, 302 E. Main Street, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Join us for a summary discussion on the interesting historical finds while deconstructing the Sutton/Kolongowski Farm on Noggles Rd!
Deconstructing the Past: From farmstead to nature preserve – Coming full circle
The Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS) will host a presentation about the history of a farm carved out of the Irish Hills in the 1860s. “Deconstructing the Past” will recount the history of a farmhouse and the people who built and modified it over 160 years, and how the surrounding farmstead will become the future Iron Creek Preserve.
This presentation is free and open to the public.
This talk will take us full circle, from the early days before European settlement, through the development of this 76-acre parcel of land into the future Iron Creek Preserve. In between, we will review the lives of the Sutton and Kolongowski families, and how the house they built and modified was methodically taken apart, allowing many of the materials to be reclaimed for future use. Artifacts and materials will be available to view.
The proposal to preserve the 1860-era house was not successful, so a series of public workshops at the site were conducted in the fall of 2023 during the deconstruction to document the process with video and pictures and to preserve key artifacts from the site. This presentation will summarize the entire process. Additional research and planning are underway.
Acquire your free tickets here

Small Woven Paper Basket with Japanese Pinwheel
2024-03-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Small Woven Paper Basket with Japanese Pinwheel
Tuesday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 pm
Please sign-up no later than: Friday, March 22
Participants must sign-up for this class in advance. No drop-ins please.
Cost $40
Materials fee $14 (a basket-weaving kit enough to make 1 paper basket – cash only
please)
Rita Halford instructor
Max. class size: 9 people
Have you ever wondered how baskets are made? Are you a fan of the art of paper-folding?
Then this class may be perfect for you! In this beginner friendly class, we will explore the
construction of a small simple basket by weaving with colorful painted paper. Participants will be
introduced to vocabulary that pertains to simple basket weaving. We’ll have fun discussing the
options for a decorative sewn-on finish as well (optional: bring buttons with you, if you have
some that you are especially fond of, 2-4 should be plenty).
Please note, some needed materials are not included in the kit, but will be provided for this
class by the instructor at no additional cost for use by participants: a plastic grid, painter’s tape,
glue, scissors, tapestry needles, sewing clips and a mold.
Finished basket dimensions: 4 ½” x 2 ¾ x 1 ¾” high (Perfect for stowing business cards or other
small items)
Colors: Your finished basket may not be purple and green (per the photo example). We will have
a variety of colors to choose from, the finished basket color is chosen by the participants.
Please note, the first people to sign-up will get the widest selection of weaving colors to choose
from.
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 - Schmaltz
2024-03-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Blacksmith Shop Concert Series Featuring Schmaltz
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Blacksmith Shop Concert Series as we showcase the incredible talents of Schmaltz. Schmaltz is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based Klezmer-Funk collective. Brought together by band leader and Ashkenazi food enthusiast Ryan Schildcrout, the five-piece ensemble looks to bring you a spontaneous evening of mirth. With an aptly curated setlist of originals and Klezmer classics, Schmaltz brings their own refreshingly unique sound to the beloved traditions of Klezmer.
This in person event will take place at the Blacksmith Shop – Manchester Area Historical Society. Immerse yourself in the historical charm of the venue while enjoying the electrifying performance. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of live music in a truly unique setting. Grab your friends and come dance the night away!
Click here to order tickets

Hand Quilting
2024-03-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Blacksmith Shop, 324 E. Main St, Manchester, MI, 48158, United States
Hand Quilting
Thursdays March 7, 14 and 21, 6:30-8:30 pm
Cost $60
Materials Fee $10 (includes pre-cut quilt pieces to work with –
cash only please)
Vicky Eisele instructor
Maximum Class size: 6 people
Learn to quilt by hand using pre-cut quilt pieces to make a small project. Learn about different
needles, thread, stitches, color and design.
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 - Brian Oberlin's Chaprrals
2024-02-17 19:30 - 21:00 | 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
