Business Details
33 Years
experience
Preserving Marine City's Historic Heritage & Culture
Founded in 1993 by Heather Bokram and a dedicated group of residents, our organization champions the preservation of Marine City's rich heritage. We focus on restoring historic buildings and homes, fostering civic beauty, and stabilizing property values to strengthen the local economy. Over three decades, we've saved iconic landmarks like the 1884 City Hall, established an Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and awarded over $5,500 in beautification grants. Our annual Paint the Town and Gingerbread Grant programs have revitalized numerous structures, while our Outdoor Maritime Museum showcases eight handcrafted ship mosaics. We organize community events and fundraisers, including the Eagle Airsports Raffle, to engage residents and visitors.Our board members bring diverse expertise to projects like the Historic Walking Tour and Drake Park amphitheater enhancements. We maintain strict financial transparency, with funds managed by reputable institutions, and collaborate with local businesses like LumberJack and MGM Dumpsters. Our volunteer-driven model ensures cost-effective operations, with 100% of donations directly supporting preservation efforts. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we continue to protect Marine City's architectural legacy for future generations.
Services
Historic Preservation
Community Grants
Walking Tours
Museum Support
Public Art Projects
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience preserving Marine City's architectural heritage
- Saved the 1884 City Hall from demolition through community efforts
- Awarded $5,500+ in local beautification grants since program inception
- Created the nation's first Outdoor Maritime Museum with handcrafted ship mosaics
- Partner with local businesses like LumberJack for authentic restoration materials
Services
Historic Preservation
We protect Marine City's architectural legacy through building restoration and landmark preservation. Our efforts maintain property values while safeguarding Victorian-era structures and maritime history. Community volunteers and expert contractors collaborate on projects that ensure historical accuracy and structural integrity.
Community Grants
Our Paint the Town and Gingerbread Grant programs provide financial support for exterior home and business improvements. Grants cover materials from local suppliers and encourage property owners to maintain Marine City's historic character through matching funds and volunteer labor.
Walking Tours
Self-guided walking tours explore Marine City's 19th-century shipbuilding heritage and Victorian architecture. Updated guides include detailed historical context about the town's sugar, salt, and lumber industries, with proceeds supporting preservation efforts.
Museum Support
We maintain the Pride and Heritage Museum and Outdoor Maritime Museum. Our exhibits feature shipbuilding history through dioramas, artifacts, and eight handcrafted glass mosaics depicting 1800s vessels built locally.
Public Art Projects
The Outdoor Maritime Museum features eight large glass mosaics installed in waterfront parks. Created by Brooklyn artist Allison Eden, these permanent installations celebrate Marine City's shipbuilding legacy through public art accessible to residents and visitors year-round.
People
Heather Bokram
Vice-President of Events
Co-founder of the Historical Society of Marine City, Heather has led preservation efforts since 1993. She initiated the Outdoor Maritime Museum project and continues to drive community engagement through innovative programs.
Brian Ross
President
As board president, Brian oversees strategic initiatives and community partnerships. He brings leadership experience from local business development to advance the society's preservation mission.
Sherrill Zimmer
Treasurer
Sherrill manages financial operations and co-chairs the Historic City Hall Maintenance Endowment Fund. Her fiscal oversight ensures sustainable funding for long-term preservation projects.
Georgia Phelan
Vice-President of Membership
Georgia leads membership development and community outreach. She coordinates volunteer programs that engage residents in hands-on preservation activities and educational events.
Miriam Guyor
Secretary
Miriam maintains organizational records and supports grant administration. Her attention to detail ensures compliance with funding requirements and accurate documentation of preservation projects.
Questions
What does the Historical Society of Marine City do?
We preserve Marine City's heritage through building restoration, historic tours, and public art projects. Our grants help maintain architectural integrity while boosting property values.
How can I get involved with preservation efforts?
Volunteer for restoration projects, join our board, or participate in fundraising events. We welcome community members interested in history and historic preservation.
Are donations to the Historical Society tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax-deductible as we operate exclusively for charitable purposes through our partnership with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
How do I apply for a beautification grant?
Download application forms from our website or obtain them at LumberJack in Marine City. Applications are accepted April 1-May 31 annually for Paint the Town grants.
What is the Outdoor Maritime Museum?
This public art installation features eight handcrafted glass mosaics of 1800s ships built in Marine City. Installed in waterfront parks, it celebrates our shipbuilding heritage year-round.
How are preservation projects funded?
We raise funds through annual events like the Eagle Airsports Raffle and Charity Poker tournaments. Grants and individual donations directly support specific preservation initiatives.
