February 11, 2026. 

Dear Treasured Supporters of the Clinton County Historical Society (CCHS), Clinton County Historical Archives and the Clinton County Historical Museum,

After engaging in a very successful 50th Anniversary Year in 2024, in which volunteers from the Museum, the Archives and the CCHS Executive Board worked together to create a year filled with opportunities to celebrate our history, we realized we are better when we all work together. In the spirit of that unity and cooperation, we decided to re-connect and renew that shared vision that began way back in1974.

As we begin a new year together, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and dedication to preserving the rich history of Clinton County. Your membership and support is the foundation of our society, helping us maintain our Archives, keeping the Museum operational, sponsoring community program events, and sharing local stories with generations to come.

We are writing to inform you of an upcoming change to our membership fees, effective for the 2026 membership year. After thoughtful consideration, and in response to our re-organization, our Board has decided to implement a change in the annual membership fee to $40.00. This fee will cover membership for the Clinton County Historical Society, the Clinton County Historical Society Archives and the Clinton County Historical Museum. This adjustment will allow us to maintain the quality of our programs and exhibits, as well as continue our mission of historical preservation and education.

As an introduction and for those who may not be familiar with The Clinton County Trails, we have included in the mailing, a free special edition of The Clinton County Trails. This quarterly publication, a hallmark of the Clinton County Historical Society, has been in circulation since 1986 and will be available to all members via email at no additional cost. However, if you prefer to receive the The Clinton County Trails in print, there is an additional $20 annual fee to cover the printing and mailing costs. Additional benefits to membership include free admission to the Museum and the Archives, free admission to special programs and reduced fees for research and products.

We understand that any increase is a matter of concern, and we want to assure you that this decision was made with care and transparency. Our goal is to ensure that your membership provides even greater value and opportunities for engagement. The proposed increase in membership dues is not simply a financial adjustment; it is an investment in the future of our society and in the preservation of Clinton County’s rich heritage. As supporters of the Clinton County Historical Society, the Clinton County Historical Society Archives and the Clinton County Historical Museum, you are the stewards of our collective memory. Your investment enables us to inspire future generations, connect with our community, and ensure that the lessons and stories of our past remain vibrant and accessible.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued commitment. For your convenience we have included the new membership application with this letter. If you choose to pay by credit card,  this letter and a fillable membership application is available online at www.cchs.michigan.org. If you have any questions or feedback about this change, please feel free to reach out to us via email to admin@cchsmichigan.org. We welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Together, we are keeping Clinton County’s history alive.

Warm regards,

The Clinton County Historical Society Board