“This is a symbol of Flint’s ‘Golden Age,’” says Justin Wetenhall, director of Whaley Historic House Museum. “In that time, Flint was among the richest cities in America. What’s neat about this house is that it’s not just a preserved building but is a window to the past of what Flint was like in the Gilded Age.”
Located just outside of downtown Flint, the Whaley Historic House Museum serves as a reminder of what the area was like as it was becoming the Vehicle City. Established in 1976 as part of a national movement to preserve historical spaces, it had been the home of Robert and Mary Whaley, prominent philanthropists in the area, who lived there for 40 years. Once slated for demolition as the city changed and modernized, the house became a nationally recognized historic landmark once its historical value was appreciated.
“It’s not just a random historic house,” Wetenhall says. “One of the reasons the home was preserved was because the Whaley family was big supporters of the area. Robert Whaley is credited with signing the loan that started General Motors. They started the Whaley Children’s Foundation and a nursing home for retired schoolteachers. It’s important we keep that heritage alive, in a time when philanthropists gave back to the community.”
The home is maintained as a historically accurate representation of the era, with furnishings, décor, and artifacts from the Whaleys and other local families. Tours are offered throughout the year for those interested in seeing the home, and many special events are held there. With afternoon teas, game nights, silent movie nights, lawn parties, and holiday celebrations, the home is always alive and full of excitement.
“We are trying to attract visitors to Genesee County,” Wetenhall says. “We have visitors who come from Europe on a tour of Michigan and will stop here.”
As the year winds down, the Whaley Historic House Museum transforms into a winter holiday wonderland, giving a glimpse into how holidays were celebrated during the Victorian era. “The house, being of that time period, offers a really great opportunity to bring that magic and whimsy of a bygone time,” Wetenhall says. “People can come here and enjoy a heartfelt, cozy Christmas experience.”
With the arrival of December, the month will be full of exciting events at the Whaley House, with plenty of opportunities to explore the home and celebrate the holidays.
Dec. 2 – Holiday Walk (5-8 p.m)
Dec. 6 – Open Tours (11 a.m. - 2 p.m)
Dec. 7 – Christmas Tea (2 p.m)
Dec. 12 – Gilded Age Game Night (6-10 p.m)
Dec. 13 – Krampusnacht – 21 and over only (7-10 p.m.)
Dec. 19 – Christmas Radio Hour (6 p.m.)
Dec. 20 – Night Light Tours (6 - 9 p.m.)
Dec. 21 – Visit with Santa (1-3 p.m.)
Dec. 31 – Roaring ‘20s NYE Gala – 21 and over only
“One special thing we’re doing this year is, in honor of Mrs. Whaley’s Scottish heritage, we’re having a Celtic theme on our Christmas programming,” says Wetenhall. “We’ve contacted a professor from the University of Michigan-Flint, and we’re going to have some kind of Celtic programs going on, and the florists have been finding Gaelic and Celtic designs to sprinkle in with their Christmas décor.”
To learn more about the Historic Whaley House Museum, and to make plans for which events you want to attend, visit whaleyhouse.com.
