Whaley Historic House Museum Fundraiser

The Whaley Historic House Museum is the historic home of Robert J. Whaley and Mary McFarlan-Whaley. Together, they purchased the property on Kearsley Street in 1885 and renovated the house into a classic Victorian home. From 1885 until 1925, the Whaleys were active members of the Flint community. They were prolific philanthropists who not only supported numerous charities, but founded many charitable institutions that still exist today. They were especially passionate about education, family wellness, the arts, and literacy.

Upon Mary McFarlan-Whaley's death in 1925, the house became the location of the McFarlan Home for Elderly Women. The McFarlan Home used the house until 1975, at which time the construction of the I-475 forced their relocation and they build a new facility on another part of the property. The McFarlan Home still exists next door to the historic house today, and continues to house 29 elderly women from low-income backgrounds, though they have expanded and created other elderly living facilities throughout Flint. 

After 1975, the McFarlan Home donated the house to the Whaley Historical House Association to remember and recognize the contribution of the McFarlan-Whaley families to Flint. The house reopened as a museum and was listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1977 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The house currently functions as a historic house museum and is open for tours and events to promote history, education, and culture in the community.

Our staff, volunteers, and board are dedicated to preserving this historic Flint landmark and the collections within, create engaging and educational programming for the community, as well as inspire a deeper appreciation for and understanding of our shared cultural heritage and history.

Unfortunately, the Whaley Historic House Museum has been closed to the public for most of the COVID pandemic. So, your donation is especially important this year, as our COVID-related closures have resulted in reduced activity and the loss of a significant portion of our independent revenue.