The Historical Society of Greater Lansing finds a new home on LCC campus

By Nicole Wadkins
Staff Reporter

The Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) has found a home in a historical landmark of Lansing. The Rogers Carrier House, located on Lansing Community College’s campus, will now serve as HSGL’s permanent headquarters, museum, and a location for history programming.

The Rogers Carrier house was built in the late 19^th century and was designed by Lansing architect Darius Moon. Over the years, LCC students played a role in the preservation of the house through past renovations. In the 1980s, students constructed the house’s distinctive “witch’s hat” and weather vane, features that hallmark of the historical Queen Anne architecture. Over the years, LCC has used the house for various purposes, but as LCC expanded, the space was no longer needed and accessibility requirements had left the house unable to be utilized. 

The idea to lease the house to the HSGL came from former LCC Trustee Larry Meyer, who first suggested the partnership. When Steve Robinson became president of LCC, discussions finally gained momentum. “One of the first things I decided that I wanted to do when I came here, was working with the Historical Society,” Robinson said. “The first floor seemed like a perfect place for the Historical Society to have their offices and a pocket museum.”

Bill Castanier, President of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, mentioned how the HSGL has been searching for a permanent home since it was founded in 1955. “The Rogers Carrier home is a wonderful location right in the center of Lansing,” Castanier said. “Being adjacent to the campus of Lansing Community College is a major plus and allows us to create programs that fulfill the mission of the college.”

The lease allows the HSGL to occupy the house at no cost, other than paying for their own internet, while the house still belongs to LCC. “There isn’t an expiration date,” Robinson said. “We imagine the partnership going on well into the future.”

Not only benefitting LCC campus, HSGL aims to enrich the lives of everyday Lansing citizens. Since the Historical Society now has a space, they are able to lead walking tours of downtown Lansing. “There’s a place that volunteers can meet and do administrative work for the Historical Society,” Robinson said. “They also have lectures and they show films. And I think it’s just great for Greater Lansing.”

The HSGL will use the Rogers Carrier House as the centerpiece for future activities and history programs on at least a monthly basis. They will launch historical exhibits to help citizens understand the history of Lansing as seen through the eyes of the residents. The museum plans to mount two exhibits each year, covering local history. “In the past, our exhibits have won national and statewide recognition covering everything from panoramic photography to the history of the I-496 Expressway and its impact on the Black Community in Lansing.” Castanier said. “Our collection of artifacts will continue to embrace all aspects of Lansing’s social, religious and economic history and as we have in the past, we will continue to reach out to the Greater Lansing Community for their input.”

For more information about upcoming exhibits and programs, visit the Historical Society of Greater Lansing’s website.

A glimpse of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing’s pocket museum, where more than 50 objects tell the story of Lansing. Photo Nicole Wadkins.