Now is the time for 4th graders in Southern Michigan to arrange a field trip to the Munro House in Jonesville. The oldest house in Hillsdale County was once an Underground Railroad Station. As elementary school students celebrate Black History Month and study the American Civil War, the Munro House tour is a great opportunity to learn about life in Michigan during the mid 1800’s, the significance of the Sauk Trail, and the Michigan connection to the Underground Railroad movement.
The home’s original owner, Brigadier General George Munro, added a tunnel and a secret room during the construction of the building. A section of the tunnel is still accessible. The kids are able to enter the tunnel and touch the stone walls. It is one of the highlights of the tour. Another highlight is viewing the secret room where runaway slaves hid on their journey to freedom in Canada. The children also enjoy stories of early pioneers, artifacts from the 19th century, an oral history of life in Michigan, and walking through this great old house
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A tour of the Munro House in Jonesville is available during regular school hours by appointment only. Groups of 20-30 students at a time can visit the home. Local students have been enjoying this tour for years, and is a much anticipated annual event for 4th graders. A $1 per person fee makes this a reasonably priced field trip for grade school children. Mr. Mike is your tour guide. He engages the students with interactive conversation that is interesting and lively.
Mike Venturini
“Life is good in Jonesville”