Open: 2nd Sundays & 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm
Closed: Holiday weekends and when a GWBHS program is elsewhere.
** Note: Please check event locations carefully and check this page for the latest updates. **
Open: 2nd Sundays and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm
Volunteer Opportunities Meeting
Friday, January 16, 2026, 12-1 pm
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Are you looking for flexible, interesting volunteer opportunities? Come learn our needs, from one-time to long-term commitments. We need volunteers looking to make a difference in our community and help keep our unique local history alive!
Open House
Friday, January 16, 2026, 1-4 pm
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Permanent exhibits interpret local area history and culture.
Annual Meeting & Presentation – “Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories behind the Brands”
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10 am-12 pm
(Admission to this program is free)
WB Library Main Meeting Room, 4600 Walnut Lake Road
Did you know the Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson? Join authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan as they reveal secrets and surprises from their latest book “Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind The Brands,” (History Press, 2024). It’s full of amazing history, stories and photos about the Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kelloggs) and baby food (Gerber)–but there are many stories most Michiganders don’t know, such as Better Made uses Michigan potatoes and we are the pickle-growing capital of the US. Join the pair as they “dish” on Michigan chocolate, jams, potato chips, etc–and of course, fudge and pasties. If you’re a fan of brands like Sanders, Faygo, Vernors, Guernsey and Jiffy–or have fond memories of brands like Awrey’s and Twin Pines–you’ll eat up this show!
Local Black History Open House
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 1-4 pm
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
On May 2, 1903 the Milford Times reported the death of 90-year-old Ellis Mason, a freedom seeker who had escaped slavery to Canada, eventually ending up living a hermit’s life on land that is now part of Knollwood Country Club. Please join us to learn more about him.
Presentation – Detroit Jewish History, Part 1
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7-8 pm
(Admission to this program is free)
WB Library Main Meeting Room, 4600 Walnut Lake Road
Experience the early days of Detroit’s Jewish community, from 1762 to its population surge in the 1880s. Catherine Cangany, PhD is executive director of Jewish Historical Society of Michigan.