Mackinaw Area Historical Society
School House
Built in the 1880s Mackinaw City's second school was called "Freedom School."
It was named for the neighborhood south of Mackinaw City which was called Freedom. There is controversy over whether this was freedom from hay fever or freedom for slaves during the abolition movement. Nonetheless the name is very inspiring for a school.
The dilapidated school building was offered to the historic village. The first two visits to the school by Board members produced the verdict that the building, hidden deep in the woods, was beyond repair. But the nagging reality was that this would be the only chance to save an authentic school from Mackinaw's early years. The third visit, with a historic architect, led to the ultimate decision to tackle the project.
The school was moved to the historic village in July 2006, restored in the summer of 2007 and put to good use by visiting school groups in the fall of 2007.
If you know of a school group who would like to use the building please send us an email.
