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The Museum Archives
Articles by our Curator Muriel Versagi about the many collections of historical documents and records about Royal Oak, Royal Oak businesses and the people of Royal Oak.
Our Photo Gallery
About Us
THE ROYAL OAK HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HISTORY
Founded in 1939, the Royal Oak Historical Society is a private, non-governmental organization of volunteers. We collect, display and preserve information and objects of Royal Oak’s past for current and future generations. Throughout the year we present various special exhibits and provide a venue for other groups and individuals to display their collections.
The society was organized in 1939 by nine women and one man, according to information compiled by local historian Owen Perkins, for his book, "Royal Oak, Michigan, The Early Years," published in 1971.
The founders were civic activists, representing such organizations as the Library; Ezra Parker Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution; Chamber of Commerce; American Association of University Women; Royal Oak Woman's Club; and the Royal Oak Memorial Society. Members of most of those same organizations remain active in the society
HOW THE MUSEUM BEGAN
The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum came to be in March 2004, when five women each contributed $1000 to purchase the collection of Bill Rasmussen. The women were Agnes Buhalski, Pat Eaves, Bonnie Linehan, Blanche Myerhoven Roth, and Muriel Versagi.
SERVING THE PUBLIC
Our annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast at the Farmers Market, Car Show, and Woodward Memories exhibits along with WWII, Viet Nam, Korea, and Civil war exhibits also help keep Royal Oak's history alive.
Donate Now
To donate to our current operating fund click on the donate button below. The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum is a 501(c)3
non profit organization
run by volunteers and funded solely by donations.
Help Honor A Royal Oak Icon
The Royal Oak Historical Society is starting a campaign to raise funds for a permanent fixed tribute to legendary Royal Oak Judge Keith J. Leenhouts at the 44th District Court, with a formal renaming of the probation department and a mounted wall display telling of the incredible story of Judge Leenhouts and his Volunteers in Probation program.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
$2500 – PRESENTING SPONSOR
Title recognition on the permanent plaque that will be part of the Judge Leenhouts Wall display. Invitation to private meet and greet with Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.
$1000 – VOLUNTEER
Recognition on the permanent plaque.
Invitation to private meet and greet with Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.
$500 – MENTOR
Recognition on the permanent plaque.
Invitation to private meet and greet with the Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.
$250 – FRIEND
Recognition in the program at the dedication ceremony.
Invitation to private meet and greet with the Leenhouts family at the dedication ceremony.
ALL OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS LEVELS
Recognition in the program at the dedication
ceremony
Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
