It also describes nine acres of soft grass, surrounded by forest, at 8970 Van Buskirk Road in Erwin Township. The Erwin Township Historical Society bought the land in 2020 as the future site of its museum, moving the township's 1915 one-room schoolhouse to the property in 2021. In recognition, the Historical Society of Michigan will present the group with its prestigious 2025 State History Award for Local Societies during its annual conference in Alpena, Michigan, on Sept. 26. Gretchen Whitmer, state Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) and the Erwin Township Board, who all praised the society's impact. Township supervisor Larry Grimsby credits the Erwin Heritage Park as a factor in the township's recent 5% growth.