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African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County

The AACHM offers educational programs, exhibits, and Underground Railroad bus tours. The museum is in the process of acquiring and renovating an 1848 house, moved from W. Washington St. downtown, to display its collection of artifacts, art, papers, books, photographs and other materials pertaining to the history and culture of African Americans in Washtenaw County. aachmuseum@gmail.com, aachmuseum.org

1528 Pontiac Trail [map]
(734) 761-1717

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Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

The mission of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum "is to inspire people to discover the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art, and math," and "to be the leader in imaginative and interactive learning experiences." Open every day 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thurs. $12.50 (adults and children), $5 after 5 p.m. Thurs only; free for babies 0-23 months. aahom.org

220 E. Ann [map]
(734) 995-5439

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Argus Museum

Features products manufactured by the Argus Camera Company and showcases unique collections. Housed in the Argus I Building, one of the company's manufacturing facilities, it operates under the umbrella of the Washtenaw County Historical Society. Hosts photography exhibitions, group tours and meetings, and an international fall conference. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and for special events or by appointment. Free, but donations appreciated. washtenawhistory.org, click on "Sites" then "Argus Museum."

525 W. William (Argus Building) [map]
(734) 769-0770

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Cobblestone Farm Museum

This city-owned historic farm re-creates mid-19th-century rural life with living history days and a barnyard with a small collection of farm animals. Farmhouse museum admission: adults $2, families (up to 5) $5, ages 3-17 and seniors 60 & over $1.50. Museum open by appointment year-round and Thurs. 10-11 a.m. (call ahead to check). Farmers market every Tues. 4-7 p.m. May-Oct. cobblestonefarm@provide.net, cobblestonefarm.org

2781 Packard [map]
(734) 794-7120

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Kempf House Museum

This 1853 Greek Revival house, listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, was home to the German-American Kempf family from 1888 to 1953. Now managed by a volunteer nonprofit board, it is furnished with Victorian antiques and many of the Kempfs' musical treasures, including Ann Arbor's first concert grand piano, an 1877 Steinway. Exhibits of period domestic life, a historic garden, a traditional German family Christmas, Valentine teas, and Wednesday noon lecture series in both spring and fall. Guided tours on selected Sundays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission free, donations appreciated. kempfhousemuseum@gmail.com, kempfhousemuseum.org. For event updates, follow "Kempf House Museum" on Facebook.

312 S. Division [map]
(734) 994-4898

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Michigan Firehouse Museum

Includes a restored original 1898 firehouse on 2 levels plus a large, modern exhibit area on 3 levels featuring displays of antique fire rigs and fire trucks, fire extinguishers, equipment, tools, fire bells, and other memorabilia. Thurs.-Sun. noon-4 p.m., or by appointment. Adults $5, children 2-16 $3, children 4 and under free. info@MichiganFirehouseMuseum.org, michiganfirehousemuseum.org

110 W. Cross, Ypsilanti [map]
(734) 547-0663

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Museum on Main Street

The Washtenaw County Historical Society operates this museum in a restored 1830s house surrounded by a 1900-style garden. Hosts a variety of family-friendly changing exhibits throughout the year related to local history and more. Sat. & Sun. noon-4 p.m., and by appointment. Groups welcomed. Donations appreciated. washtenawhistory.org

500 N. Main at corner of E. Kingsley & Beakes [map]
(734) 662-9092

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Parker Mill

County-owned restored 1873 gristmill with its original milling machinery. The surrounding 45-acre park also has one of the area's few remaining log cabins. The mill is open for public tours on select Sundays in Sept.-Oct.; programs for school, civic, and community groups available by appointment May.-Oct. Free. washtenaw.org/602/Parker-Mill-County-Park

4650 Geddes [map]
(734) 971-6337

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U-M Detroit Observatory

Built in 1854, (dome renewed 2017), and now a division of the Bentley Historical Library, this restored observatory retains its original Victorian telescopes. Exhibits highlight the role of this early research facility in 19th-century campus life. Daylight tours twice a month or by special arrangement. Night sky viewings during the warmer months (weather permitting). bentley.umich.edu/about/detroit-observatory/

1398 E. Ann [map]
(734) 764-3482

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U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

Houses a permanent collection of more than 100,000 Classical, Egyptian and Near East artifacts. Highlights include textiles, glass, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and artifacts of daily life. Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Closed Monday and U-M holidays. kelseymuse@umich.edu, lsa.umich.edu/kelsey

434 S. State, (public entrance on Maynard) [map]
(734) 764-9304

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U-M Museum of Art

In addition to extensive permanent collections of African, American, Asian, and European art, UMMA hosts many special temporary exhibitions each year. Public programs include artist and curator talks, special campus and community events, docent-led tours, & performing arts, literary arts, films, & fee-based art classes. Tues.- Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission free; $10 donation suggested. umma.umich.edu

525 S. State [map]
(734) 764-0395

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U-M Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is currently closed as it moves to a new location in the U-M Biological Science Building; it is scheduled to reopen spring 2019. Exhibits in new museum will be On the Trail of Mastodons, and Measuring Space and Time. Programs for children include dinosaur and space birthday parties and educational scavenger hunts. Museum admission free; donations encouraged. Tickets required for Planetarium shows. ummnh.info@umich.edu, lsa.umich.edu/ummnh

1105 N. University [map]
(734) 764-0478

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U-M Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry

Exhibits on the history of the nation's first public university-based dental school, including "Student Reflections: A Retrospective of Dental Education," "Inside the Dental Practice: 1860-1940," featuring re-created dental offices, a dental lab, & X-ray technology; and "Dental Hygiene: A Century of Progress." Free admission. Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., closed most major holidays. dentalmuseum@umich.edu, dent.umich.edu/sindecuse

1011 North University, Kellogg Building, School of Dentistry [map]
(734) 763-0767

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Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum

This museum celebrates Ypsilanti's rich automotive manufacturing history, which includes the General Motors Assembly plants including Corvair. Other Chevrolet product lines include Nova, Omega Olds, Buick Skylark, Chevy Citation and Pontiac Bonneville. Housed in the world's last Hudson dealership and features the National Museum of the Hudson Car Company. Tues.-Sun. 1-4 p.m. Adults $5, Children under 12 free. info@ypsiautoheritage.org, ypsiautoheritage.org

100 E. Cross, Ypsilanti [map]
(734) 482-5200

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