The Pentwater Historical Society Museum.
PENTWATER — The Pentwater Historical Society is inviting residents and visitors to explore the nation’s founding through a new exhibit and community-wide educational program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Beginning June 29 and continuing throughout the summer season, the society will present “250 Years of the Declaration of Independence” at the Pentwater Museum, located at 85 S. Rutledge St. in Pentwater. The exhibit highlights the men who drafted and signed the Declaration and examines their contributions to the creation of the United States.
A unique feature of the celebration connects Pentwater’s own streetscape to the nation’s founding. Several village streets, including Hancock, Carroll, Clymer and others, are named for signers of the Declaration of Independence. Specially placed yard signs along those streets feature QR codes that allow visitors to learn about the individuals and their roles in securing American independence.
The historical society has also launched an interactive Declaration of Independence Passbook program. Available at the Pentwater Museum, Pentwater Library and Hart Area Public Library, the passbook includes a community map and questions related to the Declaration and its signers. Participants can visit locations throughout Pentwater, discover historical facts, answer questions and earn prizes as they complete pages of the booklet.
Inside the museum, visitors will find exhibits detailing the lives and accomplishments of the Declaration’s signers. Activities are also available for younger children and non-readers, making the experience accessible for families.
Among the historical connections highlighted in the exhibit are Thomas Jefferson, whose name appears on a street in nearby Hart, and George Wythe, who is honored with a street name in Pentwater. Jefferson studied law under Wythe before becoming the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibit also explores the story of Charles Carroll, for whom a Pentwater street is named. Carroll was the only Catholic delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the only Catholic signer of the Declaration.
The Pentwater Historical Society recently received a $2,000 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund to support the Declaration of Independence exhibit and related educational activities. The project will be displayed and promoted in Pentwater, Hart and Walkerville as part of the broader commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Funding for the exhibit and activities has also been provided by the Pentwater Service Club and the Pentwater Women’s Club.
Visitors seeking additional information about the exhibit, passbook program and educational activities can visit the Pentwater Historical Society’s website at www.pentwaterhistory.org. Information about Pentwater’s America 250 celebrations and opportunities to support the July 3 fireworks display can be found at www.pentwater.org.
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