Situated on the west side of the courthouse near downtown St. Johns, the lovely red-brick building has the distinction of being the oldest brick residence in the city. It was built in 1860 by John W. Paine, a native of New York State who opened a general store in 1858 in the fledgling village.

The Main House at the Museum takes its name from its original owner and two other prominent community leaders who subsequently lived in and expanded the building – Dr. Samuel E. Gillam, and Dr. Walter A. Scott. Offically the Paine-Gillam-Scott House.

It was during Gillam’s ownership from 1883 to 1909 that the house was extensively remodeled into the Victorian style which is evident today.

Remnants of its first owner do remain, however. Restoration work at the building in 1980 reveled the original plank flooring of the 1867 addition and a fireplace which had been closed with brick, plaster and wainscoting.

Those features are prominent elements of the downstairs rooms, each of which is used as a ‘mini-museum’ for a home in 1890. Visitors to the Museum often marvel at the kitchen equipment and utensils – sometimes having a hard time guessing what the various antiques were used for in years long past.

Likewise, the dining room, bedroom, parlor, and ‘laundry room’ provide journeys into lifestyles that no longer exist.

The upstairs rooms are equally unique. They are kept for use of township displays, interpretive and special exhibits, and county historical documents. In honor of the doctors who lived in the house, a ‘turn of the century’ doctors office pays tribute to all doctors of Clinton County.

The Paine-Gillam-Scott House is listed in the State Register of Historic Sites, and had the honor of receiving a Michigan Historic Site marker in July 1998 from the Michigan Historical Commission. The work of the Museum is directed entirely by volunteers who serve as the Clinton County Historical Society’s Museum Committee, directors, staff, and members of the P-G-S Advisory Board.

The building and grounds are the property of Clinton County, and are entrusted to the Clinton County Historical Society by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners for use as a county museum. 

The Museum is sustained financially by the generous donations of community residents, primarily through memorials and bequests, and via its Endowment Fund which was established in 1983. All contributions are tax deductible.

Persons may also make donations of historic items and memorabilia. Staff members would be happy to review submissions of Empire and Victorian period furnishings, along with souvenirs, pictures of local people and places, and other items.

Individuals who are interested in serving as volunteers at the Museum during its hours of operation or helping on work projects are invited to contact Museum Director Kelly Jurman at 989-224-2894, or 503-459-7220. The assistant director of the museum is Karen Kusenda. 

The Museum was open through December 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through December 13, 2025. Tour groups are welcome by reservation; admittance free, donations encouraged. 

Check back soon for 2026 hours of operation!