Settled in 1831, the Village of Concord came into its own in the late 19th century. The small village located 12 miles southwest of Jackson features narrow, tree-lined streets and Late Victorian-era frame homes. One such home, located east of downtown, is the historic Mann House.
Built by Daniel and Ellen Mann in 1883, the home brought the successful farm family closer to the village's schools and social life. The family became active in the community and was known for bringing in the latest technology. They installed the community’s first telephone in 1900! Daniel and Ellen were both college educated, which was unusual for the time. They valued education and encouraged both daughters to attend school and college. While only 10% of the American population had high school diplomas in 1900, the Mann daughters both graduated college with unusual degrees for women during the period. Both women became teachers.
From the mid 1940s to the mid 1960s, the sisters lived together, spending their summers in their family home. They made several renovations to the home over these decades, including an addition for a modern kitchen. In the 1950s, they began negotiating with the Michigan Historical Commission to maintain the home as a historic house museum. The state officially accepted the donation from the sisters’ estates in 1969 and opened the home to the public in October 1970. Today, the historic Mann House looks and feels as if Mary Ida and Jessie Ellen just stepped out for a moment. All their belongings - from grandmother’s horsehair furniture to the family’s extensive library to the clothes in the closets – tell the stories of the independent, self-sufficient, forward-thinking women who lived in this house from 1883 to 1969. The home is open for guided tours each summer and admission is free.
205 Hanover Street, Concord, MI 49237
Phone: 517-930-3806
Email: mhcinfo@michigan.gov
Please allow one hour to tour the museum and grounds. There is no parking or admission fee.
The Mann House is closed for the season, except for the Holiday Open House series on December 6-8 and 13-15. See more information below.
The grounds and carriage house are accessible; however, the historic house is not accessible to those who cannot use stairs. Service animals are always welcome.
The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!
