The Blanchard House and Ionia Museum are NORMALLY open to the public for tours on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. Due to a lack of volunteers to staff the house, we must arrange tours BY APPOINTMENT ONLY for the time being. Please contact us!
There is no set price for a tour, but we ask for a donation if you can possible do so. (This generally averages $5 per adult.)
We are also happy to arrange special tour dates for individuals, families, or visiting tour groups. We ask that you plan as far ahead as you can so that we can make proper arrangements to make the visit as enjoyable as possible for everyone. We can accommodate large tour groups, preferably split into smaller groups of 10 people, for a tour of the house. (We love to have students come through the house!) If small children are included in your tour group, we ask that they be “closely corralled” due to the unique and irreplaceable nature of the articles on display in the house.
Tours can take anywhere from a one-hour “whirlwind” tour to an entire afternoon, so please be clear on the amount of time you can spend at the Blanchard House. Be aware that there are stairs to climb and access to some areas are limited.
The Blanchard House is often rented for special occasions. This includes photo sessions, family gatherings, receptions, weddings, organizational meetings and events, and even business meetings. Our kitchen can accommodate refreshments buffets, but if you’d like a catered meal, please have the caterer contact us to evaluate the facility before all of your arrangements are made.
The House can accommodate up to 60 people at a sit-down meal, or up to 85 people for a standing event or seated for a presentation. With the exception of a champagne toast or an organized wine tasting event, no liquor is allowed on the property, and these examples need to be pre-arranged, please. Ours is also a no-smoking facility. Please ask about accommodations for entertainment as well.
When the house is rented for an event, the default arrangement includes access to only the first floor. If you would like to arrange access to the upper floors or the museum during your event, please contact us to make special arrangements.
Become a Member of the Ionia County Historical Society
Simply download our Membership Form by clicking HERE (a PDF file) and send it via the US Post Office as described on the form with your yearly dues payment.
In addition to supporting the programs and mission of the Historical Society, your Membership includes…
- Our (almost) Monthly Newsletter
- Voting rights at the Annual Meeting
- Discounts on many ICHS Activities
- Discounts on Gift Shop Items
