New Baltimore Historical Society

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New Baltimore Historical Society Grand Pacific House Museum
Located at 51065 Washington St.

New Baltimore, MI 48047

Hours- Sunday 11-2pm
May thru September (closed Holiday weekends)
Other times and hours by appointment

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be closed Sunday November 1
30/10/2026

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be closed Sunday November 1

Halloween newspaper clippings from 1960’s
28/10/2026

Halloween newspaper clippings from 1960’s

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be open today, Sunday, October 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
25/10/2026

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be open today, Sunday, October 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Trick or Treat on Washington Street
23/10/2026

Trick or Treat on Washington Street

The New Baltimore Historical Society would like to recognize a very special lady, Barb Smith, who lovingly cared for the...
23/10/2026

The New Baltimore Historical Society would like to recognize a very special lady, Barb Smith, who lovingly cared for the beautiful garden behind our Grand Pacific House Museum for so many years.
Even into her 80s, and despite facing serious health challenges, Barb continued to pour her heart into making the garden a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
And we can't forget her wonderful husband, Tom, who often accompanied her, filling the air with old-time music on his keyboard and other instruments. Together, they brought so much joy to our museum visitors! Many will also remember this fun-loving couple dressed as a zombie bride and groom at our annual spooky tours!
Although Barb is no longer able to tend the garden, her love and dedication will always be part of it. To honor her many years of service, we have placed a special plaque bearing her name in the garden she cared for so lovingly.
Barb and Tom, thank you for the countless memories, laughter, music, and beauty you've shared with us. You will always hold a special place in the heart of the New Baltimore Historical Society! ❤️

October 1950 - New Baltimore Civic Club's 1st Annual Hard Time Halloween Party
22/10/2026

October 1950 - New Baltimore Civic Club's 1st Annual Hard Time Halloween Party

Halloween photos by Christa Howard 1970’s-1980’s
20/10/2026

Halloween photos by Christa Howard 1970’s-1980’s

We would like to thank Bobi Killmar-Gartley for visiting the museum today and sharing so many amazing photographs and wo...
18/10/2026

We would like to thank Bobi Killmar-Gartley for visiting the museum today and sharing so many amazing photographs and wonderful stories about her parents, Robert (Bob) and Jeanine Killmar!

The Killmar’s played an important role in New Baltimore’s history. They were members of the BayRama Committee and a founding members of the New Baltimore Christmas tree lighting tradition.

The Killmars also helped establish the beloved holiday tradition of the Christmas sing-along and tree lighting ceremony in 1976. It began at the Recreation Center with a small Christmas tree and just about 30 people singing Christmas carols, enjoying homemade donuts, and drinking coffee prepared by the Killmars. The following year, 60 people attended, and a bigger decorated tree was added to the celebration.

In 1978, the Downtown New Baltimore Business Association received permission from the city to re-establish the tradition of displaying a large Christmas tree at the corner of Washington and Alfred streets. With the help of the city’s Department of Public Works and New Baltimore firefighters, the tree was put up and decorated. Robert also helped hang the Christmas lights throughout downtown, helping bring holiday cheer to our community.

This coming year marks a very special milestone: 50 years since the Christmas sing-along tradition began in 1976! 🎄

Beyond his community involvement, Robert was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He owned Killmar’s Cleaners, laundromat, and shoe service, located at 51083 Washington Street.

His wife, Jeanine, owned Jeanine’s Art at 51056 Atwood Street and also served as president of the Anchor Bay Art Club.

We are so grateful to Bobi for sharing these photographs, memories, and pieces of her family’s history with us. The Killmars helped create traditions that continue to bring our community together, and their contributions have left a lasting mark on New Baltimore.

Thank you for helping us preserve and share the stories of the people who helped shape our town! ❤️🏛️

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be open today, Sunday, October 18th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
18/10/2026

The Grand Pacific House Museum will be open today, Sunday, October 18th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Anchor Bay Restaurant was located on what is now the empty lot behind the former Baker/Stahl’s building on Main Stre...
17/10/2026

The Anchor Bay Restaurant was located on what is now the empty lot behind the former Baker/Stahl’s building on Main Street in New Baltimore.

The restaurant opened in 1926 and was owned by Sam Bervas, who immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1912.

Beyond his work as a local business owner, Sam was also dedicated to serving his community. He was an active volunteer firefighter with the New Baltimore Fire Department from 1934 until his passing in 1948.

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MI

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+15867254755

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