GTPL Seed Library

Michigan History, Poor Farms

Long before the advent of modern social welfare, county governments in Michigan maintained poorhouses or poor farms. Explore the early history of these facilities in their attempts to care for Michigan’s poor, elderly and destitute. Discover the lives and records of the inmates that resided at our state’s poor farms. Adam Oster from the Library of Michigan will cover the early poor laws of the Michigan territory, the introduction of poorhouses/poor farms in Michigan, the organizational structure, what led to their demise/replacement, showcase examples of poor farms across the state, and the records used for researching a poor farm inmate.

Teen Afterschool Hangout

Teens ages 13-17 are invited to spend their afterschool time at the library. Each week we will have board games, video games, craft supplies, snacks, and more available to teens to enjoy. We will also have special craft days, movie days, and even pizza days. This is a drop-in program so no registration is required and teens may arrive/leave anytime during the program.