MICHIGAN'S MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM
Honoring Michigan’s Service Members Through Stories, Artifacts, and Living History
Discover the only museum dedicated to everyday Michigan heroes—from the Civil War and World Wars to modern conflicts. Explore authentic artifacts, oral histories, and immersive military exhibits that preserve the legacy of those who served.
About Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum
Founded in Grass Lake in 2016, the Michigan Military Heritage Museum was created to fill a gap in our state: a place dedicated to the everyday Michigan service member. What began as a small community museum has grown into a larger, expanded space in Jackson, allowing us to preserve more stories, artifacts, and histories than ever before.
Our mission is simple — to honor Michigan’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and service families through authentic displays, photographs, and firsthand accounts. From early frontier forts to modern deployments, we share the stories of those who served so their sacrifices are never forgotten.
EXPLORE OUR GALLERY
Take a closer look at the displays and artifacts that bring Michigan’s military history to life.
Our Board
Meet the leaders guiding our mission forward.
Scott Gerych – Chairman
Earned a B.S. degree from Spring Arbor University and a M.A. degree from the American Military University. He served 23 years in the military, is a noted author and belongs to several veterans organizations.
Kevin Gerych – Vice Chair
Kevin attended Lake Superior State University. He served as a staff writer for the Washtenaw Voice Newspaper while attending Washtenaw Community College. He has been involved with living history groups for several years and manages the social media for Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum. Kevin resides in Sault Ste Marie Michigan where he researches the military and CCC involvement in the Upper Peninsula.
Teresa Gerych – Treasurer
Has an interest in lighthouse history as well as Michigan history in general. Teresa has served as an Army Wife and VA Caregiver. She joins the Board as a signatory for the bank accounts and as a Trustee.
Belinda Grier – Secretary
Belinda currently works at the Henry Ford Museum in the costume department. She has twenty plus years experience as a period costume and textile consultant. She is involved with numerous living history organizations and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She currently serves as the secretary for the museum.
Kenneth Baumann – Trustee
Earned a BS degree in ornamental horticulture, University of Illinois. Long time student and collector of artillery & military vehicles- 1845-1945; Author of “Arming the Suckers” 1989. Award winning display presentations at numerous antique arms and military exhibits and a Distinguished Fellow of the Company of Military Historians.
Craig Pearson – Trustee
Served 20 years as an officer in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, retiring as a Navy Commander. He is a former Naval Aviator and career pilot who owns and operates Brooklyn Shamrock Airport, located in Brooklyn, Michigan. He has a Master’s degree in Aviation Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Craig is currently employed with the Michigan Department of Transportation as an Airport Inspector.
John Bailey – Trustee
John is a lifelong resident of Jackson and owner of Bailey Excavating as well as President of the Bailey Family Foundation. He is married to Julie and has two Sons, Jacob and Jordan. John enjoys racing, classic cars, and promoting his community of Jackson.
Jacob Bailey – Trustee
Jacob is an avid history enthusiast and manager of Bailey Excavating. Jacob is a graduate of Central Michigan University and enjoys living history, travelling and time with his Wife and three children.
Eric Messner – Trustee
Eric is a resident of Onondaga Mi and a graduate of Michigan State University. He is an Army veteran where he served as a military police soldier. Eric is currently working on a masters in history and spends time with his Wife and 5 children.
Brian Murphy – Trustee
Brian is a resident of Wyandotte Michigan and is an engineer for ZF Corporation in Livonia, Brian is a lifelong living historian enjoying the era of the Civil War, War of 1812, WWI and more. Brian enjoys time at his cabin in Coldwater with his Wife and two children.
William “Bill” White – Trustee
Bill is a lifelong Jackson County resident and currently a Real Estate broker for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
Our Board
Meet the leaders guiding our mission forward.
Scott Gerych – Chairman
Earned a B.S. degree from Spring Arbor University and a M.A. degree from the American Military University. He served 23 years in the military, is a noted author and belongs to several veterans organizations.
Kevin Gerych – Vice Chair
Kevin attended Lake Superior State University. He served as a staff writer for the Washtenaw Voice Newspaper while attending Washtenaw Community College. He has been involved with living history groups for several years and manages the social media for Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum. Kevin resides in Sault Ste Marie Michigan where he researches the military and CCC involvement in the Upper Peninsula.
Teresa Gerych – Treasurer
Has an interest in lighthouse history as well as Michigan history in general. Teresa has served as an Army Wife and VA Caregiver. She joins the Board as a signatory for the bank accounts and as a Trustee.
Belinda Grier – Secretary
Belinda currently works at the Henry Ford Museum in the costume department. She has twenty plus years experience as a period costume and textile consultant. She is involved with numerous living history organizations and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She currently serves as the secretary for the museum.
Kenneth Baumann – Trustee
Earned a BS degree in ornamental horticulture, University of Illinois. Long time student and collector of artillery & military vehicles- 1845-1945; Author of “Arming the Suckers” 1989. Award winning display presentations at numerous antique arms and military exhibits and a Distinguished Fellow of the Company of Military Historians.
Craig Pearson – Trustee
Served 20 years as an officer in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, retiring as a Navy Commander. He is a former Naval Aviator and career pilot who owns and operates Brooklyn Shamrock Airport, located in Brooklyn, Michigan. He has a Master’s degree in Aviation Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Craig is currently employed with the Michigan Department of Transportation as an Airport Inspector.
John Bailey – Trustee
John is a lifelong resident of Jackson and owner of Bailey Excavating as well as President of the Bailey Family Foundation. He is married to Julie and has two Sons, Jacob and Jordan. John enjoys racing, classic cars, and promoting his community of Jackson.
Jacob Bailey – Trustee
Jacob is an avid history enthusiast and manager of Bailey Excavating. Jacob is a graduate of Central Michigan University and enjoys living history, travelling and time with his Wife and three children.
Eric Messner – Trustee
Eric is a resident of Onondaga Mi and a graduate of Michigan State University. He is an Army veteran where he served as a military police soldier. Eric is currently working on a masters in history and spends time with his Wife and 5 children.
Brian Murphy – Trustee
Brian is a resident of Wyandotte Michigan and is an engineer for ZF Corporation in Livonia, Brian is a lifelong living historian enjoying the era of the Civil War, War of 1812, WWI and more. Brian enjoys time at his cabin in Coldwater with his Wife and two children.
William “Bill” White – Trustee
Bill is a lifelong Jackson County resident and currently a Real Estate broker for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
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CONTACT US
Have a question? We’re here to help.
Reach out to our team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Email: [email protected]
Call: 517.926.6696
Location: 311 N. Wisner Street Jackson, MI 49202
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11AM - 5PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11AM - 5PM
Saturday: 11AM - 5PM
Sunday: 12PM - 4PM
