Fenton Museum facts for kids
The A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum and Historical Society is a cool museum located in a really old building in Fenton, Michigan. This building was built way back in 1900. It was given to the City of Fenton in 1906 by the family of Andrew Jackson Phillips. For many years, it was used as the Fenton Library, which is now called the Jack R. Winegarden Library. The library later moved to a different building.
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Discover the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum
The A.J. Phillips building is owned and taken care of by the City of Fenton. However, all the amazing items inside the museum belong to the Fenton Historical Society. This museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Fenton and the people who lived there.
A Historic Home for History
The museum building itself has a rich past. It was built over 120 years ago! Imagine all the stories it could tell. After being a library for a long time, it became the perfect spot to keep and share the history of Fenton. It's a great example of how old buildings can find new life.
Exploring the Museum's Collections
When you visit the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum, you'll find many interesting things. The museum has different rooms, each showing a unique part of history.
Uncovering Family Roots
One special part of the museum is its extensive genealogy room. This is where you can find records about people who lived in Fenton and the areas nearby. They even have cemetery records for much of Genesee County. It's like a giant puzzle that helps people discover their family history!
Stepping Back in Time
The Victorian Room is another highlight. It looks just like the personal office of A.J. Phillips himself. You can even see some of his actual furniture there. It helps you imagine what life was like over a hundred years ago.
Everyday Life and Old Gadgets
The museum also has many other cool collections. You can see vintage pieces of clothing, old tools, and even really old televisions. There's also antique photography equipment, showing how people used to take pictures before smartphones. It's fun to see how much things have changed!
Military History and Heroes
For those interested in military history, the museum has items from several important wars. These include the U.S. Civil War, the Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. You can learn about the brave people from the area who served their country.
One very special item is the sword that belonged to Col. William Fenton. He was an important figure, and the City of Flint, Michigan gave him this sword when he took command of the 8th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. It's a powerful reminder of the past.
