I visited the museum this last fall for the first time to work on a headstone they acquired for their collection when a MOH recipient was reinterred at the National cemetery in Holly Michigan. When I walk inside I was dumbfounded by their collection! Hearing the stories of the men and women showcased in this museum sent a whirlwind of emotions through me. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable… using each exhibit and the artifacts on display to bring their stories to life as if watching a movie of sorts. I can’t wait to go back!
Volunteering and working at the Michigan Heroes Museum has been a great experience! The long time staff members really care a lot about preserving and showcasing the many stories of Michigan veterans that the museum houses. On more then one occasion, I have seen visitors moved to tears by some of the stories on display, and I have only ever heard compliment after compliment from guests when they tour the museum and see what we do. It is a shame that the museum is not more well known, as it stands as a great memorial for those who have fought and died for there homeland, and many of the stories shall continue to inspire those who currently serve their country and future generations to come.
I remember the first time visiting the museum and learning about the Polar Bears. What a fantastic experience. As a veteran myself it is so humbling to walk through, observing the pictures and reading the stories/history of those that have served. What a treat also, to be able to share the experience with my family. I have visited numerous times and each time is just a bit different due to the staffs vigilance in rotating displays.
I learned of the Michigan Heroes Museum shortly following the passing of my Grandfather, Col. Ralph Hauenstein. When I reached out to the museum they already knew of his service and were eager to tell his unique story. This conversation triggered a special exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public museum in 2018-19 and then a two year display at the MHM starting on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. I have been honored to as an active board member, finding ways to celebrate and honor our Michigan Heroes. If you haven't experienced the MHM yet, you'll want to see what all of the excitement is about next time you're visiting historic Frankenmuth.
My Grandpa was served and I LOVE going with him to the military museum like I have since I was young. The older I get, the more I can appreciate what it is. I used to just like the big amazing models of boats and planes but more recently, I have been appreciating the actual exhibits and the stories behind them. I highly recommend this museum with any interest in war stories or the military in general
What a joy to visit the museum and see the displays honoring those who have contributed so much. It's truly an inspiring location
Over the years my grandson and I have enjoyed visiting the Michigan Heroes Museum. The MHM truly honors, respects, and remembers those Michigan women and men who have served in our armed forces and space program. This museum isn't about battles; it isn't about guns. Rather, it about stories. Stories of people who performed extraordinary feats under the most difficult circumstances. The museum's collection of Medals of Honor is second to none and worth a visit all by itself. Today my grandson is a teenager in high school and we still visit the museum regularly to learn about our heroes and our heritage. it is a wonderful place that both educates and entertains.
Michigan Hero's Museum has an amazing collection of "stories" of men and women who have served their country. The museum is not a tribute to armed conflict and war, but is quite the contrary. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice and their personal stories are inspirational.
It is well worth the visit!
The Michigan Heroes Museum is an absolute hidden gem. My family and I have toured the museum several times and we love hearing the stories of our Michigan men and women that served.
As the CEO/President of the Historical Society of Saginaw County, I have had the honor of working closely with the Michigan Heroes Museum. Their thoughtful presentation of the stories of Michigan men and women who served our country through military service or space exploration is incredibly powerful and moving. Without glorifying war, they have demonstrated the extraordinary sacrifices made by so many of our fellow Michigan citizens. I would highly recommend a visit to this museum to any individual or family who is visiting Frankenmuth.
After watching the first launch of Space Shuttle Columbia on TV when in the 2nd grade, I was so amazed with the event that I decided I wanted to become an astronaut. In 1983 I learned that a museum in nearby Frankenmuth, now known as the Michigan Heroes Museum, displayed the uniforms and flightsuits of Michigan's astronauts. After several visits over several years, I formed a friendship with our museum's founder, Stan Bozich. This resulted in many opportunities to meet some of our astronauts when they visited. While my dream of becoming an astronaut did not become reality, my admiration of those honored in the Michigan Heroes Museum helped drive me to become an engineer with a local automotive supplier. My frequent visits led me to read many stories of heroism, selflessness and patriotism of those who have defended our great nation. When searching for a hero, one needs to look no further than the 850+ stories in the collection of the Michigan Heroes Museum. Serving on this museum's board of directors with some amazing people, including a former astronaut, is the honor of a lifetime. I recommend everyone to visit and support!
This museum is truly one of a kind! If you are a military history enthusiast or simply a patriot looking to celebrate the military service of your fellow Americans you will be wowed by this collection. This organization’s mission is to Honor, Respect, and Remember the service of Michiganders and you can do so by visiting the museum or attending an annual event like their Mud Run (the Frankenmudder) or Celebrity Golf Outing (the Wurst Open). Supporting this nonprofit is fulfilling on so many levels. Every time you visit or see a service member’s uniform and read their story when displayed at an event (the stories travel when requested) you learn something new and develop a deeper respect for the men and women who have served our nation and made the brave advances in space exploration. Collecting and curating so many stories and having such an organized collection, both digitally and physically, is no easy task and this organization does a wonderful job of keeping us all connected to those Michiganders who have lived boldly and bravely in service to our nation. Your support of this non-profit will make it possible that we always Honor, Respect, and Remember!
I first visited this museum in November of 1985, shortly after my uncle donated my late grandfather’s WWI uniform and medals to the museum. My grandfather was one of the 5,000 "Polar Bear" soldiers - mostly from Michigan - who had been sent to Archangel, Russia in Sept. 1918, where they ended up fighting the Bolshevik Red Army. The museum already had a number of other Polar Bear stories in its collection and I came away from that visit with a much greater understanding of my grandfather's involvement in that obscure military intervention. I would visit the museum occasionally over the next 20 years, but it wasn't until around 2005 when I became an active supporter by taking over the organizing of the annual Memorial Day service for the Polar Bears, which was sponsored by the museum. That role brought me to the museum on a more regular basis and gave me a greater understanding of its commitment to Honor, Respect and Remember those who have served our country. Around 2010 the museum's web site needed some upgrades, so I volunteered to help with that project and that eventually led to my becoming a member of the board of directors. I've found the other board members to be an impressive group of men and women who freely volunteer their time and efforts to make this museum a better institution with a sound future.
The Michigan’s Own, Inc.’s, Michigan Heroes Museum, has an amazing collection of over 850 stories of Michigan service members and astronauts. The focus of this military themed museum is on our warriors and not on war. They do a great job at relating the stories of the everyday person who answers the call of our nation in times of need. I support this museum because they Honor, Respect, and Remember our nations’s bravest by keeping their stories alive in our collective consciousness. I am thankful that they tell the story of my Father-In-Law, a Vietnam Marine in a respectful and reverent manner. Telling his story at the museum has helped to bring him a sliver of well deserved peace. Thank you Michigan Heroes Museum for all that you do for our countries fighting men, women, and astronauts!