Up Coming Events and Latest News:
Current CoBACH Exhibit
May – July
“Salute to 250 Years”
CoBACH Exhibit
May – October
Wednesday—Friday 5—8pm
Saturday 11am—5pm
Sunday 2—5pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Memorial Day — Special Display
We invite you to visit our Memorial Day display on May 25, 2026 showcasing an impressive collection of Civil War memorabilia. The display will be open from 9am to 1pm at CoBACH. The Brighton Memorial Day parade begins at 10am at 4th Street and concludes at the Millpond. We welcome you to come and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms today.
CONGRATULATIONS: Cruise Trotter!
2026 Larry Lawrence Scholarship Awardee
The Brighton Area Historical Society is proud to announce that the 2026 Larry Lawrence Memorial Scholarship awardee is Cruise Trotter.
The Larry Lawrence Memorial Scholarship is awarded yearly to any student that graduated from a Brighton Area school in the last five years and is going to a Vocational / Skilled Trade School.
Cruise is a 2026 graduate of Flex Tech High School in Brighton. He completed the Michigan Merit Curriculum/Graduation requirement at Flex Tech High School in three years. Cruise is a member of the National Honor Society.
Quentin Terrell-Cotton was Cruise’s advisor/ mentor at Flex Tech and said, “Cruise Trotter is a remarkable young leader whose positivity, curiosity, and willingness to embrace new opportunities have made a lasting impact. Thoughtful, personable, and highly intuitive, Cruise has been a joy to work with and mentor. His future is incredibly bright, and this scholarship recognition is well deserved.”
Flex Tech encourages students to design their own path to graduation by taking advantage of interest-driven projects and flexible scheduling. Most importantly students develop deep relationships with caring adults. Every student is assigned an advisor who tracks their progress, helps them set ambitious goals, and makes sure they graduate on time and prepared for post-secondary learning.
A quote from Cruise’s application, “With the decline of skilled trade workers in Michigan and the growing demand for electricians, I recognize that my generation has a responsibility to step forward. I am enthusiastic about entering a field that is both practical and impactful. Skilled trades are the backbone of thriving communities, and I would like to be part of the workforce that keeps Michigan strong and sustainable.”
Cruise will be attending Henry Ford College in the fall studying Electrical Technology.
The Brighton Area Historical Society wishes Cruise a continued great educational experience and a very productive career.
Thank you to the members and friends of the Brighton Area Historical Society for their donations which make this scholarship possible.
Donations for the Larry Lawrence Memorial Scholarship can be made by going to the Brighton Area Historical Society website Brightonareahistorical.com
The Larry Lawrence Memorial Scholarship committee:
Jerry Damon, Nancy Fredenburg, Kate Lawrence, Mike Lawrence, Lynn Strong, Jim Vichich
January 2026 — Happy New Year!
On behalf of the Brighton Area Historical Society Board, thank you to all of our members who have renewed their membership or made additional donations to one of our many projects, it is certainly appreciated by us. We have many that became new sponsors this year as well. Each and every donation and renewal means lot to us and means we can take on additional projects in 2026. You will note on Page 2 of Trail Tales those that have donated and contributed. The membership drive runs through January 31st. The membership application/renewal form is included with this issue.
Our last event of 2025 – Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus was held on December14th at Lyon Schoolhouse and was a huge success. We counted approximately 250 people in attendance and we were so happy to offer this event free of charge to the community. Many families have attended for years, and watching their children grow while enjoying our one-room schoolhouse is very rewarding for us. Homemade cookies were available along with each child making a Christmas craft to take home. I wish to thank the following people for their help: Lynn Strong, Pat Tucker, Steve and Denise Black, Ron and Trish Cyr, Mindy Kinsey, Peg White, Tom Reinke, and Jim Vichich. It was a very rewarding day.
Hello 2026 — We are setting our calendar for 2026 and have a some exciting events in place. Our Jewelry Show Fundraiser will again be held in May. Watch our newsletter for exact dates and timing. We are planning additional cemetery tours for the community during the summer and offering 2 member events at Lyon School. Watch for those details in our newsletter. Additionally, we will continue work in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
As we venture into 2026, the Brighton Area Historical Society would like to THANK YOU for being part of our journey and for sharing our passion for preserving the past.
Nancy Fredenburg, President, BAHS
(517) 304-5044
info@BrightonAreaHistorical.com
Membership Matters!
What do I get for my BAHS membership?
There are clubs and there are causes. Many join clubs… to use the golf course to socialize with a select group of folks or to get special deals on merchandise. We at the BAHS would rather think of investing in a cause. Our members come together from a wide range of interests and experiences. Together we make a huge difference for our community, families and ourselves.
This world is better when we can observe around the bend and down the street, people working to maintain and preserve the history of the community we love.
Your continued BAHS membership is significant because it provides BAHS with a base of reoccurring funds to do the tasks and projects we do. Your membership dues, donations and sponsorships assist this effort and provides a revenue stream for our future.
Memberships, Donations and Sponsorships Matter! Strengthening our community, one member at a time.
BRIGHTON AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEEDS YOU!
Steve Black, Jerry Damon, Tony Ferreyra — BAHS Membership Committee
We are please to announce that you may now purchase or renew a membership and make a donation online, or go shopping at our Gift Shop! Just click on the button below.
or BAHS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL-2026 / Sponsorship form download
*** BRIGHTON AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ***
LARRY LAWRENCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Larry Lawrence Memorial scholarship will be given yearly to a graduating senior from the Brighton Area that is going to a Vocational School. The scholarship will be for $2500.00 to support the awardee in his or her education.
For more information, please refer to the Larry Lawrence Memorial Scholarship Program by clicking here: