The Ionia County Historical Society was formed in 1974 with the primary purpose of purchasing, restoring, and preserving the John C. Blanchard House.However the charter for the organization also included the broader mission to preserve artifacts and documents that represented the general history of the wider community. Today the organization is dedicated to sharing Ionia’s fascinating heritage with the general public, not only through the Victorian splendor of the Blanchard House, but also through our Museum (presently located within the Blanchard House), through programs for the general public, special presentations for schools and other organizations, plus souvenirs and publications that showcase Ionia’s unique stories.