Newaygo County and More!
Welcome to your best local history resource!
FEATURED EVENT:
Genealogy Workshop with Lou Ann Dorgan
📅 Workshop Event:
Thursday, October 16
🕚 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Interactive experience!
In 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary—a perfect time to reflect on our own family histories. Join us for an engaging Genealogy Workshop led by Lou Ann Dorgan, where you’ll learn how to trace your roots and uncover meaningful details about your family’s past.
With the holiday season approaching, imagine surprising your loved ones with fascinating information about your family story. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to start building that legacy.
What to Bring:
A notebook
Any personal notes or information you already have about yourself or your family
We’ll provide the guidance, tools, and tips to help you take your family history research to the next level.
Walk-in’s Welcome
Contact us to reserve your spot:
📱 Phone: 231-335-2221
📧 Email: twhrc.info@gmail.com
🌐 Website: twhistoricalresearchcenter.com
History Snapshot
Fremont's Golden Era of Athletics: 1895–1946
Featured Story
Surrerar Cemetery
WE’VE MOVED
The Terry Wantz Historical Research Center has had the wonderful opportunity to move our operation across the street to the (former) Print Shop. Come check out our new location.
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Local Events
Follow the link below for community events
We are a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. We rely on funding from private sources, public sources and donations from people like you
— T.W. Historical Research Center
Explore
Hesperia
The Newaygo Republican
10 October 1870
“In the midst of a fertile region, on a rapid stream which furnishes abundant water power, the chief village on the White River above its mouth, the rendezvous for the lumberman of the extensive lumbering country around us, and the trading point for the whole country north of us as far as the Pere Marquette River, Hesperia is destined, we fondly imagine, to become a place of no inconsiderable importance,”
Nestled in between Newaygo and Oceana counties and along the White River is the village of Hesperia, Michigan. Daniel Weaver (1811-1879) established the village of Hesperia and Thaddeus Waters (1835-1923) both established successful lumbering mills within the village. The White River, which once played a key role in the lumbering boom of the 1800s, is still a vital part of the community as a source of recreational fun.
For more information about Hesperia, please visit the Terry Wantz Historical Research Center at 29 West Main Street Fremont, MI 49412, or call us at 1-(231)-335-2221. You can also visit our website at terrywantzresearchcenter.com.
We are grateful for the following foundations for their funding:
Floyd and Betty Lou Head
The TWHRC is supported by the Fremont Area Foundation,
Dogwood Foundation, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Terri Teall Memorial Fund, respective contributors, visiting authors, and our patrons and volunteers.
With Gratitude to the Dogwood Foundation
We are honored to receive continued generous support from the Dogwood Foundation for our 2025–2026 season. Their steadfast commitment helps make our work possible. Thank you for investing in creativity, community, and connection.
Thank you to the Fremont Area Community Foundation for their generous and continued support of the Terry Wantz Paper to Cloud Digitizing Project.
Thank you to the Floyd and Betty Lou Head Family Fund for their generous gift towards the Terry Wantz Paper to Cloud Project. We truly appreciate your investment in the Terry Wantz Historical Research Center and its continued success.
