Waterloo Township

Historical Societies

Waterloo Farm Museum

The Waterloo Farm and Dewey School Museums’ primary mission is to foster an appreciation of those pioneer families, their daily life, and children’s schooling. The Waterloo Area Historical Society was formed in 1962 to preserve the Realy homestead which now stands as a tribute to the pioneer farm families of Michigan. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, this complex of farm buildings is nestled in a curve on Waterloo-Munith Rd. in scenic Waterloo Township.  In addition to our regular summer hours, the society hosts a robust calendar of special events throughout the year, all open to the public. Blacksmiths, Soldiers and Log Cabin Weekend, Antique Tractor, Truck, and Farm Equipment Show, Pioneer Day, and Christmas on the Farm.  2022 Pioneer Day marks the 60th fall festival held by the Waterloo Area Historical Society.  

The Dewey School is located three miles north of the farm on Territorial Rd. It is a one-room schoolhouse that was built in the mid-1800s and held classes until 1956.  The building forms the cornerstone of our school education program as today’s students have an opportunity to share the history of early Michigan pioneer families.