We are now closed for the season and will reopen in May of 2024. Please check back for updates!

VISION STATEMENT: Our vision is to develop the Thumb Octagon Barn complex for the community as an agricultural museum and educational center open to individuals, families and student groups to educate and stimulate awareness of our agricultural heritage.
MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to maintain a volunteer group of Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn involved in the restoration and preservation of the barn complex as an educational tool preserving our rural and agricultural history for the benefit of our visitors. Fund-raising efforts have grown into annual events known around the state. The vision to preserve has grown into a plan to own and operate an historical agricultural site for the education, recreation and entertainment of the community and visitors. Currently the Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn has nearly 800 members — many from all over the State of Michigan and around the country. Members may receive the Barn Newsletter and volunteer their time to help out if they are able. There are always work activities, festivals, gatherings and restoration upkeep that bring members together in the community. Help is always needed and appreciated. Upkeep is ongoing...
VALUES STATEMENT: As stewards of the Octagon Barn, we embrace the diversity within our organization and celebrate our many individual talents. We are committed to our visitors and have a passion for the Octagon Barn complex as an educational tool to share with the community our rural heritage. We take on big challenges, and pride ourselves on seeing them completed. We have a responsibility to hold ourselves accountable to the legacy of the Octagon Barn as it continues to grow in the future.
2016 Events Flyer
Here’s our new flyer outlining everything going on this season at the Thumb Octagon Barn. This year’s theme is “Our Wonderful World of Water”. Come on out see how we’re Saving the Past for Tomorrow’s Future! Check out our Calendar page for other events
Women Suffrage Tea at the Barn August 4, 2016

Women Suffrage Tea at the Barn August 4, 2016 from 3-5pm $15.00 per person – Adults only please (payable upon reservation) Food – Door prizes – Souvenir Tea Cup – entertainment – Tours of house (Tours of the barn for those who are interested), Note, only 25 seats available. Contact: Carolyn Longmuir…
2016 Volunteers needed
Fall Family Days: Assist for any length of time for the Fall Family Days event September 10 & 11, 2016, call 989-658-8450 for more info. Purdy House: Help clean the Purdy House during the 2016 Site Tours season, call 989-977-0025. Newsletter Editor: Any person interested in working to compose…
2016 School Tours May 11, 12 & 13
6-11-16 Update: Here’s a few pictures from this years 2016 School Tours. See you next year! 5-24-16 Update: After having a terrific School Tours 2016, it is time to reflect on what happened to make the event so great and what educational things can be done to enhance and…