The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City at the home of Rev. and Mrs. George Bennard. Rev Bennard was the author of world-renowned hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross," written in 1913.

The museum presently contains mementos and relics not only from the Bennard home, but also from the original Osceola County Historical Museum.

The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum contains three rooms.

•  The first is divided into six smaller rooms ( a dining room, kitchen, parlor, bedroom, office items from Reed City businesses, and a clothing room) depicting life in the Reed  City area before 1900.
•  The second contains displays of early farm equipment, shop tools, machines from the Michigan Cottage Cheese factory, models of early logging operations, Indian artifacts and a 1930's era fire truck and equipment.
•  The third is devoted to the life, possessions and music of the Rev. George Bennard.

The museum also houses the archives of the Reed City Area Genealogical Society.  This collection includes microfilms of the old Reed City area newspapers, Osceola County census records, obituaries, plat books, family files, as well as old pictures.  The resources are available to the public during regular museum hours and by appointment.

The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum opened August 19, 1990, located at 4918 Park Street in Reed City and is conveniently connected to Rambadt Park by trail.  The museum is open from 1-4 daily from May to mid-October. Admission is Free, but donations are appreciated to defray expenses.  For more information or to schedule a private tour please call the museum at (231) 832-3053. 

International visitors