Plymouth Historical Museum

The year is 1922 and the act of prohibition has forced all drinking establishments to close. Without easy access to liquor and establishments, “Speakeasies” such as The Caterpillar Club have sprung up all over the country, however this is the first of its kind in this city. It’s a usual night at The Caterpillar Club – until, that is, the biggest organized crime boss and mobster in the city, Bulletproof Bill Mahoney, is found dead! Suddenly, the patrons find themselves suspects in a murder investigation that has to be kept “hush hush” in order to keep the coppers away and the speakeasy open!

The Roaring 20’s are in full swing, giving birth to the rise of jazz music, flappers and, with the end of the war, a renewed feeling of hope and joviality. It’s the era of prohibition, and organized crime is at an all-time high. The Half Moon Club is one of just two Speakeasys in town, fighting prohibition by serving alcohol illegally and offering patrons the type of fun that can’t be had when the sun is up. Despite the constant threat of a raid, business at The Half Moon Club is lucrative, as men and women stream through the doors each night. When a flapper is found shot to death outside the club, the management and loyal patrons of The Half Moon Club scramble to identify the killer before the police catch wind of the killing and shut down the juice joint for good!

Come meet some of the ghosts who have walked Plymouth's streets in days gone by. This is an all-new walk--we don't repeat the characters that we represent. This event is designed to be educational, not scary, and the staff of the Museum takes every precaution to be respectful of the final resting places of Plymouth residents.

Leanne Walsh, owner of Walsh’s Auction, is throwing her annual party. Her friends and clients gather for a night of fun and socializing, but something sinister lurks in the back of the minds of everyone attending; the old house-turned auction site is rumoured to be haunted, and even the owner herself won’t remain there alone after dark! Suddenly, a scream rings out and a man is found, dressed as a Phantom and lying in a pool of blood. As the crowd tends to this mysterious man, Leanne Walsh is murdered! Moments later, the Phantom disappears, leaving only a disguise to prove he was there in the first place. Who killed Leanne Walsh and why? Is the Phantom human, or supernatural? It’s up to the guests question the suspects and piece together the clues to determine who had the motive, means and opportunity to kill Leanne Walsh. Was it a human, or was she killed by the Phantom of the Auction House?

"Ghosts of Plymouth Walk" April 27, 2019

It's high tea time at Downton Abbey! Guests are being served by the downstairs staff, being overseen by the head butler and housekeeper, as well as the head cook, the footman, and the maids. Shockingly, all of the servers are equipped with microphones so you can tune in to the below-stairs gossip. Be sure to be on your best behavior, you never know what they'll say!

The skit performed by the Plymouth Living History Troupe for the Nifty Fifties Preview.

The year is 1857 and steam power rules, from the upper echelons of society to the gutters of London’s Old Town. Here in the countryside sits Harrison House, a humble estate with a staff of just 20 servants. Harrison House is home to widow Lady Steeles, her daughter Evangeline, servants and, from time to time, friends and passers-by. Tonight was to be a festive celebration in honour of both of Lady Evangeline Steeles’ 21st birthday and also her engagement to Mr. Bartholemew Payne. A mysterious and priceless gift is delivered to Lady Evangeline – one that carries a dark and powerful secret. But when Mr. Payne is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, the celebration quickly turns into a murder investigation! Who pushed him? Where is the legendary Moonstone? With a cast of characters and lore only found in the Steampunk universe, this mystery is sure to end up hotly debated by suspects and guests alike.

The year is 1950 and it’s a night like any other at Bourbon Jazz Club, the hottest of hot spots for the local glitterati, the biggest celebrities and those who want to join them. The guest list is exclusive and the patrons happy. In short, it’s the place to be, and is renowned the world over as one of the world’s premier lounge clubs. People are dying to get in ? one man quite literally! Mitzi, the club’s headliner, takes the stage and has just begun her first song when a scream rings out. A man has been found murdered! The doors are quickly locked and everyone is contained, and will remain within the doors of the club until the murderer is discovered!

"Celebrating Plymouth--150 Years." Tree felling ceremony for the new (in 1870) Holly-Wayne Railroad, with words by E.J. Penniman (portrayed by Dave Tennies).

During the Plymouth Historical Museum's Members-only Preview on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, members of the Plymouth Living History Troupe performed a brief skit looking at the Parker family 20 years after the original movie "A Christmas Story" was filmed. Thanks to Jackie Schubert (Mrs. Parker), Mike Woloszyk (The Old Man), Mike Janz (Ralphie), and Ken West (Randy). And thanks to Marty Kerstens for shooting the video.

Members of the Plymouth Living History Troupe performed a short skit during the "Here Comes the Bride" Member Preview Skit in January 2018.

Students from Plymouth (Michigan) High School discover what life is like in a Victorian home, reenacting what their ancestors might have experienced, within the Victorian rooms of the Plymouth (Michigan) Historical Museum. Created in 2008.

The Fred Hill Briefcase Drill Team performing in the Plymouth, Michigan, Fourth of July Parade in 2008. The Drill Team no longer exists.

The Pere Marquette model railroad in the Plymouth, Michigan, Historical Museum.

Views from the Ration Stamps and Bombersexhibit in 2012.

Views from the Inaugural Gowns of the First Ladies exhibit in 2012.

Views from the A Red Ryder Christmas Story exhibit in 2011.

The second year of characters coming to life at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth.

Views from the A Dickens of a Christmas exhibit in 2012.

Views from the Made in America exhibit in 2013.

Views from the B4TV exhibit in 2013.

Views from the A Red Ryder Christmas Story exhibit in 2013.

Views from the Vintage Project Runway exhibit in 2014.

Views from the Summer Wheels exhibit in 2014.