The two destinations near the intersection of Ludington Street and Water Plant Road are key to the history of the Escanaba area.

The lighthouse, built in 1867, guided schooners and steamers and more in and out of Little Bay de Noc as they hauled lumber from area mills and ore from Escanaba’s docks.

Even after the light itself was replaced by the offshore crib light in 1939, the building still housed workers until 1985. It had been remodeled, but when the Delta County Historical Society obtained it in 1986, they consulted original plans and had the lighthouse rebuilt the way it had been 120 years earlier.

Local radio station WDBC erected a building on Sand Point in 1941. After they moved out, the Delta County Historical Society began to lease the place from the city in 1956 for use as a museum.

Lighted garland wraps around the railing at the top of Sand Point Lighthouse. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

In the now almost 70 years that followed, countless people have trusted the Delta County Historical Society not only as a resource but also to house their heirlooms and artifacts.

Several additions and renovations have happened at what is now the Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum. Still, such a supply means the exhibits at the museum tend to change a little bit each year.

The museum also houses, in a northwest section, the archives — a treasure trove of records and photographs documenting the history of Delta County.

Usually, the museum and lighthouse are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The open house of Dec. 26 and 27 gives people an opportunity to see the former keeper’s residence decorated for Christmas and explore and learn in the museum that displays Delta County’s history.

Cookies will be served in the lighthouse both days. Live music will be on location at least one of the dates.

The kitchen of Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba is shown as it looked Monday. On Friday and Saturday, this table will be covered in cookies for visitors to enjoy. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

The Delta County Historical Society Museum displays a Christmas tree above the doorway. The museum will be open to the public Friday and Saturday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Guests fill the kitchen of Sand Point Lighthouse during its Christmas Open House in 2022. ( Ilsa Minor | Daily Press file photo)