A snapshot of the city, this exhibit explores the size and character of the city, its people and institutions, its problems and potential. Lansing was created when the Michigan legislature established the state capital here in 1847. Still, it's more a small agricultural town than a crowded, dirty city. The main business district is small enough to get around in easily on foot. The state agricultural college is a pleasant trolley ride away.
People know each other by name, whether neighbors, store clerk and customer, or boss and worker.
It included more than 1,000 artifacts, many of them loaned to the museum by Lansing residents and organizations. As you visit online, you can view a larger image of most artifacts, photographs, and exhibit scenes by clicking on the thumbnail image. A Stroll Downtown Parlor, Prayer and Play School Days, School Days See population facts about Lansing 100 years ago. Links to other sources of information about Lansing past and present.