The Martin County Historical Society was organized in 1929 and has been located in the former St. Paul’s Convent School since 1956. An addition to the museum was completed in 1995 with an elevator being added in 2007 and motion lighting installed in 2009. The research library continues to be upgraded with new technology and resources. The museum has over 10 rooms full of great historical displays that are continually enhanced.

The MCHS is constantly striving to preserve the history of our county. Our mission reads: We shall preserve and share the history of Martin County by acquiring, conserving, appropriately displaying, and making it accessible for viewing, research, and educational purposes. We’ve worked to preserve many artifacts and documents, both large and small, with the help of our many generous donors and helpful volunteers. Our museum is filled with these many artifacts and proper care has been taken to ensure these last for many generations.

The Martin County Historical Society entertains approximately 2500 visitors every year. Visitors come from all across the United States and even from other countries. The museum is open 5 days a week throughout the year and during business hours the museum has no admission charge and is free for all to view.

The Martin County Historical Society has a vibrant Youth Program that reaches kids of many ages. All county schools are invited to visit the museum where volunteers including many retired local teachers assist in giving tours. Each school is also invited to participate in our 5 th Grade Historic Walking Tour field trip (in conjunction with Heritage Acres) which sees local volunteers act out the part of early Martin County citizens.

All tours are free to the schools. In addition the MCHS staff seeks annual grants to cover the cost of bus fees and other materials.

Altogether the MCHS reaches 600-700 kids every year just through our programs and many return to visit the museum on their own time with family and friends.

In addition to our daily visitors and school programs, the Martin County Historical Society has a number of other services and programs available: Free off-site PowerPoints for service clubs, schools, and assisted living homes; monthly in-house PowerPoints and Video Interviews; After-hours tours; Parsonage and Museum rental for Class Reunions, Family Reunions, Meetings, etc.; Free-to-use Research Library; Research Requests; Articles placed in the local Newspapers; and much, much more!

The Martin County Historical Society purchased the Pioneer Parsonage in February of 2009. MCHS Staff, Volunteers, and contractors have put in several thousand hours renovating the building to represent a home from the 1910-1930 era. The MCHS celebrated the Parsonage’s completion in the Summer of 2013. The project was made possible by contributions from many donors and several Room Sponsors. The Parsonage functions as an extension of the museum for displays and a space for groups and individuals to rent for events and gatherings.