MISSION
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that enriches our communities by collecting, preserving, and sharing history.
VISION
Our communities will understand how our past shapes, inspires, and informs the present and the future.
VALUES
- Collaboration
- Partnering with community organizations
- Providing volunteer opportunities
- Quality & Creativity
- Accessing resources
- Connecting through technology
- Presenting accurate information
- Relevance & Inclusivity
- Providing relatable information
- Recognizing multiple ways of knowing
- Acknowledging different perspectives
History of the Society
The Society began as the Orchard Lake Scenic and Historical Society on January 28, 1974. In May, 1978, the name was changed to the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society to better reflect the organization’s focus on and inclusion of Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake.
Timeline of the Society and Orchard Lake Museum, Part 1 (1974-2004)
Timeline of the Society and Orchard Lake Museum, Part 2 (2005-2024)
Timeline of Apple Island and GWBHS (1974-2024)
50 Years of GWBHS History Presentation
Virtual Exhibits
Search our virtual exhibits containing more than 4,000 photos and scores of documents about:
- City of Keego Harbor
- City of Orchard Lake Village
- City of Sylvan Lake West Bloomfield Township
- Apple Island
- Hotels, Motels and Inns
- Michigan Military Academy
- Cass Police and Fire Department
- Pine Police and Fire Department
- Orchard Police and Fire Department
- Sylvan Police and Fire Department
- Walled Lake Police and Fire Departments
- Restaurants
- Sailboats and Iceboats
- Video vignettes: www.YouTube.com/gwbhs
Annual & Biennial Events
- Apple Island Tours, 2nd Weekend in June
- Spring & Autumn Nature Walks
- Memorial Day Parades
- Docent Training
- National Trails Day Walk
- Pine Lake Cemetery Tour
- Talks at West Bloomfield Library
- Museum Open Houses, open twice monthly on Sundays
Support
Consider the rewarding experience of volunteering by contacting the Society at anna@gwbhs.org. Also consider making a financial donation, donating local historical items, and becoming a member.