Celebrating Decades of Dobson

More than a museum reopening, Decades of Dobson celebrates the stories, people, and community spirit that have shaped Ottawa County for generations.

There are moments when a community comes together to celebrate more than a building.

Yesterday was one of those moments.

On Saturday, April 11, friends, neighbors, museum supporters, local organizations, and visitors from across the region gathered for Decades of Dobson, a day-long celebration marking the reopening of the Dobson Museum & Home and honoring more than five decades of preserving Ottawa County history.

The event followed Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony, held exactly 54 years after the museum first opened its doors. Together, the two events marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of Ottawa County's most treasured cultural institutions.

Throughout the day, visitors explored the museum's newly renovated galleries, connected with fellow history enthusiasts, enjoyed food trucks, visited with partner organizations, and experienced firsthand the transformation of the Dobson Museum & Home.

Most Importantly, People Shared Stories

Stories about families. Stories about businesses. Stories about Route 66. Stories about growing up in Ottawa County. Stories that remind us that history isn't something that happened somewhere else—it's something that lives within our community every day.
To help capture the spirit of the celebration, the museum is proud to share the official Decades of Dobson event film.

The film offers a glimpse into a remarkable day filled with laughter, conversation, discovery, and community pride. Whether you attended the event or were unable to join us, we hope it provides a meaningful look at what made the day so special.

The reopening follows a comprehensive renovation that has transformed the museum experience through updated exhibits, immersive storytelling, enhanced accessibility, and new opportunities for visitors to engage with local history.

But as exciting as the physical transformation has been, the weekend served as a reminder that the museum's greatest asset has always been the community that supports it. Because while exhibits and artifacts help tell the story, people are what bring history to life.

Based on the overwhelming response to this year's celebration, Decades of Dobson may become an annual tradition—an opportunity each spring to celebrate our shared history, welcome new visitors, and continue building connections across Ottawa County.

To everyone who attended, volunteered, participated, sponsored, and supported the event, thank you for helping make the weekend unforgettable. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Visit the Dobson Museum & Home

The museum is now open and welcoming visitors.

Come experience the exhibits, explore the stories, and discover why local history continues to matter.

Plan Your Visit →

The Dobson Museum. Est. 1972. Reimagined 2026.