5-15-21 Update: Open from May 15-September 30, 2021” Regular posted hours. Current COVID-19 protocols are in place for your safety. We have also taken the “Pure Michigan Pledge”
Saving the past for tomorrow's future! The Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum is located in Tuscola County approximately 1 mile east of the Village of Gagetown along Bay City Forestville Road, 1 mile north on Richie Road, just south of the Huron County border. What exists on this site today is the result of a vision, a team effort, generous contributions and many hours of planning, organization, and plain hard work. The vision began in the minds of a few neighbors who did not want to see such an awesome structure and piece of agricultural history be destroyed in the name of “convenience” or “progress”. And so began the Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn organization — a rescue effort to save the barn from demolition, then restore the barn, then restore the house and surrounding grounds.
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.
2021 Fall Family Days is back!
We are happy to announce that Fall Family Days is being planned for Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th. The Fish Fry is also planned for Friday, September 10th. We will be following current COVID-19 regulations set by the local Health Department for volunteers and those in attendance. Please…
3-22-21 Jigsaw Puzzles Week 9
Introducing a view of the Thumb Octagon Barn site through the eyes of a dissectologist (a person who enjoys jigsaw puzzle assembly). Please stop back for two new puzzles each Monday on our website and Facebook page. Have fun and share with your friends! Melodeon at Christmas …
3-15-21 Jigsaw Puzzles Week 8
Introducing a view of the Thumb Octagon Barn site through the eyes of a dissectologist (a person who enjoys jigsaw puzzle assembly). Please stop back for two new puzzles each Monday on our website and Facebook page. Have fun and share with your friends! Blacksmith Shop Interior …
3-8-21 Jigsaw Puzzles Week 7
Introducing a view of the Thumb Octagon Barn site through the eyes of a dissectologist (a person who enjoys jigsaw puzzle assembly). Please stop back for two new puzzles each Monday on our website and Facebook page. Have fun and share with your friends! Purdy House Kitchen …
