Preserving Byron Township stories2506 Prescott St. SW · Byron Center, Michigan   |   616-878-0888

Historic Town Hall · Built 1876

Every place has a story. Ours lives here.

Step inside Byron Township’s past. Discover local exhibits, explore family history, and see the people and places that shaped this community.

Historic Town Hall building in Byron Center, MichiganThe 1876 Historic Town Hall
A place to discoverExhibits across two floors
A place to rememberByron Township stories and photographs
A place to connectGenealogy, tours, and community

About the museum

Keeping Byron Township’s heritage close.

The Byron Center Museum and Historical Society operates a museum and genealogy research room in the Historic Town Hall, built in 1876.

Our society was organized to preserve and protect the history and heritage of Byron Township. Today, the museum brings that history to life through photographs, everyday objects, local stories, and spaces that invite visitors to look a little closer.

We welcome neighbors, families, students, and anyone curious about the people who came before us.

What you can explore

Inside the museum

History you can walk through.

Every room offers a different view of local life, from work and school to service and community traditions.

Historic household and shop objects displayed at the museum

Everyday Byron

Visit the old post office, a doctor’s office, and a store. Explore photographs, quilts, farm implements, and displays reflecting the township’s rural roots.

Recreated historic schoolroom with desks

School days remembered

See the second-floor schoolroom and local high school senior pictures dating back to 1930.

Entrance to the Byron Center Museum

Stories of service

The second floor holds veterans’ history and stories of the Grange and farm families. The Odd Fellow Society once held a 99-year lease on the floor.

Archival photograph of Byron Center and its residents

From the museum’s historical photo collection

Genealogy & research

Find a connection to your own story.

Our genealogy research room is filled with family histories and records to help you search for Byron Township ancestors. The museum serves as the Archivist of Record for Byron Center Township.

Whether you are beginning a family tree or following a lead, we would be glad to help you explore the collection.

Ask about research

Plan your visit

Come see where the stories live.

Find us in the Historic Town Hall, one block south of 84th Street and two blocks west of Byron Center Avenue.

Address

2506 Prescott St. SW
Byron Center, MI 49315
Get directions ↗

Hours

Tuesday, 9 a.m.–noon
Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon
Closed in winter except by appointment.

Support local history

Help keep these stories alive.

Membership helps preserve Byron Township’s historical heritage and keeps the museum connected to its community.

Membership includes

  • A quarterly newsletter with historical stories and local news
  • Announcements of speakers and programs
  • The chance to support the museum’s preservation work

For current membership and tax-deductibility details, contact the society.

Individual$15

Membership

Family$25

Membership

Business$50

Membership

Ask about membership

From the collection

Local history in print.

Contact the museum to ask about available publications and donations.

  • Plat Maps of Byron TownshipIndexed maps: 1855, 1863, 1874, 1896, 1907, 1919 & 1935
  • Byron Township Sesquicentennial AlbumA pictorial album of Byron Township history
  • A Century of Progress 1857–1957The History of Byron Township Schools by Cora Jaarsma
  • Byron Center Historical Society Cookbook
Historic depot building

Historic spaces

Gather where local history happened.

The depot is available to rent. Contact the museum for details and current availability.

Call about rentals

From the event archive

Community moments.

These announcements are preserved from the museum’s previous site. Contact the society for current events.

Muffins and Memories at the Museum

The original announcement invited visitors to the Byron Center Historical Museum at 2506 Prescott to enjoy coffee, a muffin, and reminiscence on Saturday, August 22, from 9–11 a.m.

Ludwig Holzgen headstone dedication

The original announcement invited the community to St. Sebastian Church on Sunday, August 23, for a dedication service honoring Ludwig Holzgen, a Union soldier and ancestor of Mrs. Nesbitt.

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you.

Ask about visits, family history research, membership, tours, or volunteering.

Interested in joining our team of volunteers? Reach out and let’s talk.

Byron Center Museum
& Historical Society

2506 Prescott St. SW
P.O. Box 20
Byron Center, MI 49315

616-878-0888
byronmuseum@sbcglobal.net

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