Explore Orion’s past at the Scripps Estate

The Orion Historical Society offers a chance to hear an overview of Orion’s history and to experience the unique surroundings at the William E. Scripps Estate.
How has the landscape and the people in Orion Township changed from pre-settlement days, early farming, resort era and into the present? Attend this May 30 presentation event at the William E. Scripps Estate to experience a timeline of Orion history illustrated with examples from the area.
This will be a presentation and interactive discussion tracing the evolution of the landscape (using the 3800-acre Scripps Estate to illustrate) in Orion Township: how it changed the people who lived here and how it was changed by them.
Maps, photos, artifacts, and stories by local historians and participants will illustrate examples of the eras of pre-settlement, early pioneer farming, changes in farming practice, recreation and the resort era, and the twentieth century to the present and the Orionites who were affected.
Guests will be hosted by the Friends of the William E. Scripps Estate starting at 11:00 in the great room.
The presentation, led by Leslie Pielack, director and curator of the estate, will be followed by lunch and a tour of the Scripps Mansion. Guests have the option of also reserving a spot for lunch and a tour of the mansion.
Also at the event, the Orion Township Library will be honored with the Legacy Award given annually by the Society. Library staff members including Linda Sickles, director, Penny Peterson, outreach librarian, Gene Williams, adult reference librarian, and Judi Rudicill, information systems coordinator will be guests of OHS and on hand to accept the award.
The presentation is $10, lunch is $15 and tour is $15, with $5 off for the package.
Members of the Orion Historical Society, Friends of Orion Library and Friends of Scripps Estate will benefit with discount prices for lunch and tour (presentation is free for members).
Reservations are required. Call 248-693-4154.