The log cabin has some recent additions from the VanDeventer family, built by their great-grandfather from wood on his 1880’s Emerson Township farm. The rope bed [shown above] was recently repaired and is now displayed in the cabin as well as the yarn winder and spinning wheel.

The museum’s 2023 theme is “Hats and Accessories” in the house and a reading exhibit in the store. The biggest change is a first-floor master bedroom with an 1880’s Eastlake bedroom suite donated last year. The upstairs bedroom has also taken on a new look with an antique bed and cradle donated by Tom and Joy Heinlein as well as several other objects from the Heinlein family.

The carriage house or barn has been improved by opening the back horse stalls to display exhibits from the Dick Merchant farm.