STEM Pipeline Blog / March 19, 2024

The Historical Museum of Bay County Intertwines STEM with History

At the museum we believe STEM is lots of fun but mix it with history and it takes it to a new level of awesomeness! Bay County has a complex history of innovation that has produced items that are known and used throughout the world. There are countless stories of individual people who used STEM skills to create products, that produced local jobs and built up the county and the towns. They can be found in the museum’s galleries, archives, library, and collections. Some of these histories are shown in the exhibits, using primary sources, such as photographs, maps, archival documents, and artifacts. Visitors can learn about Bay City’s ship building history, the amazing architecture, and the multiple manufacturing and engineering industries found throughout the county. Did you know that in 1915, Kuhlman Electric Company moved to Bay City. The company manufactured electrical transformers that were then shipped across the country. Also, in 1906, William and Otto Sovereign started the North American Construction Company (later known as The Aladdin Company) in Bay City. These brothers designed, manufactured, and sold mail-ordered Readi-cut homes that can still be found across the country. You can learn more about these and so many other stories by visiting The Historical Museum of Bay County, Monday through Friday from 10 AM – 4 PM. Admission is free for Bay County residents and $2/ individual and $5/family for out-of-county visitors.

Family-Fun & Upcoming Events at the Museum

Since innovation is such a huge topic in the county’s history, the museum offers programs that instill the same type of spirit. This is done through community collaborations which adds a rich mix of knowledge, skills, and resources.

Preschool Tuesday – Family Playtime @ the Museum

Every Tuesday, 10 AM – 4 PM

Preschoolers + adult are invited to stop by the Museum any time from 10 AM – 4 PM to complete the PRESCHOOL MUSEUM CHALLENGE – TRANSPORTATION. Together you can explore the galleries for clues to complete the challenge, discover Delta College’s PBS Raising Readers Room with books supplied by the Bay County Library System, and play at the activity table. Stop by the Museum Store for a to-go activity and a coupon for a treat from McDonalds.

Thank you to the Peter’s Family McDonalds, the Parents As Teachers National Center, Bay-Arenac Great Start, Delta College Public Media, and Bay County Library System for making this program possible!

Cost: Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE

STEMcation Event with Delta Kids

Wednesday, April 3, 1 PM

Ever wonder what it looks like to build something taller than you with recycled materials? Join Delta Kids at the Museum as they will be providing different engineering design challenges. Each challenge will provide students with a task. Using recycled materials students will create different structures to complete the task.

All participants will have a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Delta College Planetarium shows.

Prizes are available for those who post a picture on Facebook at one of the 30 locations and tag STEM Pipeline (@stempipeline). One picture per location equals one entry and chance to win.  Learn more about STEMcation prizes by visiting the STEM PASSPORT page.

Cost: FREE

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, April 2 – Friday, April 5, 10 AM – 4 PM

The Easter Bunny visited the Museum over the Easter break and left a surprise! Families are welcome to join the great EASTER EGG SCAVENGER HUNT. Find all the eggs and win a sweet treat from St. Laurent brothers or a coupon for an ice cream at Michigan Sugar & Cream.

Cost: Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE

Scavenger Hunt

The Scavenger Hunts were developed for elementary, middle, and high school aged students and are available during open hours in the Museum’s gift shop. Kids must search the galleries for pictures and artifacts listed. Upon completion they can pick an item from the treasure chest.

Cost: General Admission

Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE

Learn more about The Historical Society of Bay County

Website: www.bchsmuseum.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BayCountyHistoricalSociety

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bchsmuseum

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@baycountyhistorymuseummi