Chelsea is often promoted as “historic Chelsea.” Signs around town tell Chelsea’s history thanks to the efforts of the Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS), Preservation Chelsea, and the Chelsea Depot Association.
In 2011, the downtown was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and a marker was placed at the corner of Main and South streets. Placards telling the history of the buildings are mounted on downtown businesses, and a free walking tour map is available at the Chelsea museum at 138 Jackson Street. Outside Agricole on Jackson Street, a sign marks where the livery once stood. Farther down the street, the Chelsea Depot, built in 1880, is on the Michigan register of historic sites. Signs that give the history of the depot can be read by anyone. A brief history of the Federal Screw Works, once located on the site, can be read at the entry of the new Holmes Family Park.
Now there is a new way to celebrate Chelsea’s history. CAHS is developing the Chelsea Heritage Home program. With the Michigan Heritage Home program no longer available, local historical societies are offering their own heritage home programs for homes at least 100 years old. Only two houses in Chelsea received plaques from the state to mount on the porch: Roedel House and Boyd House.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, librarians Cody Lapere and Marissa Salvia presented ways to research the history of a centennial house at the Chelsea District Library. As a follow-up, owners who attended will receive the presentation by email.
After the session on how to research house histories, Jan Bernath of CAHS explained the Chelsea Heritage Home program being developed by the society. It is modeled after the state program. Anyone interested can send an inquiry to [email protected].
