Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History

The Ella Sharp Museum opened on October 3, 1965. With our 50th anniversary approaching the Museum is still meeting the challenge of bringing the visual arts and the area's history to visitors through exhibits, community festivals and outreach programs. At "The Ella", visitors have a full menu of great things to choose from:

-Six galleries of art and history including the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art, the Jackson History Gallery, and three galleries featuring traveling and "in house" exhibitions.
-Ella Sharp's 19th century Hillside Farmhouse and Merriman-Sharp Interpretive Center.
-Other historic structures and exhibits including the Dibble One-Room Schoolhouse, Eli Stilson Log House, and Merriman-Sharp Tower Barn.
-A Donor Lounge currently featuring the painting Memorial by Philip C. Curtis. Other significant acquisitions to the Museum's permanent art collection will be featured here.
-A full slate of educational and entertaining programming including lectures, school out-reach, field trips, tours, gallery walks, community free events, and the popular Art & Wine Festival.
-Friends Gift Shop -- recently expanded and the perfect place to find a unique gift.
-A 3,000-square-foot Grand Community Room with adjacent patio and park view, catering kitchen, and stage to accommodate a variety of gatherings.

The Ella Sharp Museum is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.