Looking for a unique way to enjoy a summer Saturday? The Muskegon Historic Sites of the Lakeshore Museum Center invites you to step back in time at its newest family-friendly event, Dog Days of Summer: Life in the 1930s, held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era.

 

Nestled among Muskegon’s Historic Sites, the Scolnik House offers a rare glimpse into everyday life during the Great Depression. This event will transform the historic home and grounds into a lively, immersive experience showcasing how families thrived and enjoyed the hot days of summer nearly a century ago.

 

Visitors of all ages can try their hand at Depression-era pastimes and chores like:

 

  • Wash tub laundry demonstrations

  • Sewing card stitching

  • Vegetable gardening, bartering basics, and egg glass preservation

  • Crocheting demonstrations

  • Ice cream making

  • And more hands-on stations throughout the home and yard

 

“The ‘Dog Days of Summer’ event is about more than nostalgia,” said Historic Sites Director Erin Schmitz. “We want to give guests a sense of what life was really like for families during the 1930s, not just the struggles, but the strength, resourcefulness, and creativity that got them through.”

 

The event is designed to be both fun and engaging, offering a perfect outing for families, educators, history lovers, and anyone interested in the stories behind Muskegon’s resilience. It also highlights the mission of the Lakeshore Museum Center to tell stories of Muskegon County by interpreting the history of its people. 

 

Admission is just $5 per person, and children aged two and under are free. Tickets include entry to both the Scolnik House of the Depression Era and the neighboring Fire Barn Museum. No advance registration is required—simply show up and purchase tickets at the door.

 

Free parking is available along Webster Avenue and 6th Street. Guests should check in at the City Barn (carriage house) located behind the Hackley and Hume Historic Site when they arrive.

 

Whether you're curious about daily chores of the past, looking to teach your kids about history in an engaging way, or just want to enjoy a day of unplugged summer fun, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org.