Historic Site: Turner Dodge House

The Turner-Dodge House Park and Heritage Center is located in the heart of Lansing on 100 East North Street. This house is the only 19th century residence in the greater Lansing area open to the public and has been used for both recreation and culture. A man by the name of James Turner built the original house on this site in the 1850’s and it was later reconstructed by Turner’s son in law, Frank Dodge in 1905. The house is extremely large and brick and is described to be of the Georgian Revival style. The overall features of Georgian Revival may be described as symmetrical composition enriched with classical detail. You can find the very detailed description of this old house on the Michigan Historical Center Website.

Being a future educator I would definitely take a class of history students to this historical site to visit. Not only does this particular site offer events and lead tours of the old mansion but it also has been restored and kept in its time period. Any student can look in a book and see houses and buildings from differing time periods (19^th century in this case) but they do not get the same experience as if they were able to visually see the house or building up close. They also do not know the back story on why it is important. When visiting a site such as the Turner-Dodge house students are able to visually see, touch and personally experience bring in such a place. In addition, they are able to learn of the importance of the building as well as the people who surrounded it throughout its time such as James Turner and his family. James Turner was a very prominent figure in Michigan history but few people know much about him or even his name. Also, a lot of information about the house is not available online and therefore going to visit the house can give an individual so much more. I think it would be a great opportunity for any classroom of students if they have the chance.

Currently, the house is owned by the City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Department and is used as a museum and cultural heritage center. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and has remained there since.

QUESTION: Would you take your class here for a fieldtrip? Why or why not?