Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail

The mission of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center is to preserve local history and inspire learning to inform and improve our community.

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center (SDHC) was founded in 1986 as the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society and has grown to be a vibrant, 700-member strong organization that celebrates our community by exploring its history.  The History Center provides leadership in enabling the community-at-large to connect with and understand its past, to preserve the quality of community life, and to respect and use the area's history to shape its future. 

The History Center occupies an important position in the community's cultural and educational infrastructure. Our membership includes full-time and seasonal residents, the blend of which adds a uniquely cosmopolitan flavor to the local culture, amid the surrounding, largely rural, Allegan county.

Our assets include a waterfront history museum at the Pump House, 735 Park Street in Saugatuck;  a history museum, art gallery, and garden exhibits at the Old School House, 130 Center Street in Douglas; and a permanent waterfront exhibit on the area's commercial fishing history, which resides alongside commercial space in a restored fishing shanty at 730 Water Street in Saugatuck.

What We Do

• Research to discover, collect and interpret local history in all its forms.
• Archive historical objects, documents and ephemera.
• Heritage preservation and education to protect important architecture and green space.
• Exhibition and publication design to make history fresh and memorable.
• Educational programing to engage children and adults, visitors and locals.

View the 2016-2021 SDHC Strategic Plan