Welcome to the Oakland History Center, Home of the Oakland County Historical Society*.
We are the oldest county-based historical society in Michigan, and are open to all with an interest in history. We’re an independent, self-sustaining non-profit organization, founded in 1874 by the area’s pioneers. We are entrusted with remembering the lives, lessons, and legacies of those who came before us.
Pine Grove is named for Governor Moses Wisner’s homestead, where we have made our headquarters since 1945, after acquiring it from the Wisner family. We offer tours, events, research, and historical programs.
Annual events here include the July Ice Cream Summer Social and the December Christmas Open House, both featuring tours, entertainment, exhibits, and activities for all ages.
Other events through the year are our Spring and Fall Auctions, and Ghosts of Dinners Past, and other events commemorating historical events in our area. Check our calendar or Facebook page to see what’s coming up on the schedule.
One great area to explore at our campus is our research library, considered by many to be the best local resource for the history of Oakland County, its people and its places. We love working with people to discover local history, whether that’s family, business or the history of a place. We offer research services, assistance and advice, can digitize just about anything and free copies should you need them. Please feel free to reach out!
Interested in volunteering? There are tons of ways you can help. Interested in being a guide, or helping with one of our many upcoming events? Maybe you’re more comfortable among the dusty stacks of old books? We are always looking for help in our library, with research projects and with managing our growing collections. Drop us a line at office@ocphs.org, call our office at (248) 338-6732, or drop on by during office hours (Tuesday through Thursday, 11am to 4pm). We’d love to meet you and help you get involved in local history!
*In May, 2025, we changed the name of our society from Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society to Oakland County Historical Society. Less typing, more history!
We recognize and are grateful for the support of these fine institutions.