Company Profile
Company Overview
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is an educational institution dedicated to serving the public of all ages and abilities in art, history, and science. We research, collect, preserve, and interpret artifacts, specimens and information concerning fifteen counties in Northeast Michigan. Our programs and exhibits promote understanding and appreciation of the past and present cultural and natural environments. The history, art and science collections encompass over 20,000 objects. Near 20,000 sq ft of the building is permanent and changing exhibit space. On the grounds of the museum six historic structures, including two cabins, one room school, church and bank range in dates from the 1860s to the 1920s. Partnerships with other area institutions broaden the geographic reach of the museum in the region.
Company History
The Besser Museum was founded in 1962 by area industrialist Jesse Besser. Mr. Besser puchased the land and donated the supplies and construction costs of a 42,000 square foot art moderne building completed in 1966. The museum sits on eight acres in Alpena, Michigan next door to the Alpena Community College. Founded as a multi-discplinary cultural center in Alpena Mr. Besser and two other founders turned the institution over to the Alpena Public Schools in 1966. In 1993 the Museum became an independent 501c3 public charity with a Board of Directors. In 2002 a membership program was introduced that elects a minium 12 member Board of Trustees annually. Trustees serve three years terms with a maximum of three terms. Early in its history the museum recognized its unique place in the region and actively pursued opportunities to serve 12 counties in the northeast lower penisula and 3 counties in the eastern upper penisula. Today the museum enjoys 15,000 to 20,000 visitors per year and is an anchor cultural institution in the region.