About Us

The Romeo Historical Society was founded in 1961. The purpose of our society is to preserve, document and promote the history and heritage of the Village of Romeo and its surroundings.

The Society operates three museums:

Clyde Craig Blacksmith Museum located at 301 N. Bailey Street.

The Craig shop was first a carriage barn. In 1881, it became a tinsmith shop owned by Fritz Engle. In 1913, it was an upholstery shop, and between 1918 and 1920, it was an auto repair shop. In 1920 Clyde Craig opened a blacksmith, farrier, fur-trading station, veterinarian and wheelwright shop. When Craig died in 1970, the shop was moved by the Society and turned into a working blacksmith shop/museum. Using the 2,800 degree forge, smiths still use the old tools to shape metal, just as in the past. This museum is open by appointment.

Bancroft-Stranahan Home located at 132 Church Street.

This 1868 Greek revival was used by the Bancroft and Stranahan families of Romeo. It has period settings including furniture, clothing, kitchenware and changing displays. It also has a collection of oil paintings by William Gibbs. This museum is open every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. or by appointment.

The Romeo Arts and Archives Museum located at 290 N. Main Street.

The archives building was the Romeo Michigan State Police Post from 1936 to 2000 when it was purchased by the Society. It holds archives related to Romeo’s past. There is a small research library for studying the history of your house or Romeo citizens of the past (it contains oil paintings by William Gibbs). Changing displays interpret Romeo’s past. This museum is open Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. or by appointment.

Romeo Historical Society Board 1895

The Romeo Historical Society would like to thank our
business sponsors for their major donation support:

Romeo MRP
DTE Foundation
Four Counties Foundation
Stoney Burke
Romeo Masons
Richard Daugherty