The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum

Mayor of Detroit, Governor of Michigan, US Supreme Court Justice AND MORE! Visit the Frank Murphy He then enlisted in World War 1, serving in France. U.S.

About Frank Murphy & The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum
Where can you visit the 146 year-old birthplace of a governor and Supreme Court Justice, or a circa 1880-1926 law office? Where will you find the largest collection of Philippine cultural artifacts in the United States, while also touring a beautiful 1870’s Victorian Gothic Revival style home? All of this and so much more can be found at the Fr

ank Murphy Memorial Museum in Harbor Beach, MI. Frank Murphy is arguably the most famous man in Huron County’s history. In fact, no other person from the state of Michigan has held so many high offices in government at so many different levels. Born in Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach) in 1890 to John and Mary (Brennan) Murphy, Frank was the third of 4 children. After graduating from Harbor Beach High School, he earned a law degree from the University of Michigan. After the war, Murphy began his long public service career as First Assistant U.S. District Attorney for Eastern Michigan. His vigorous prosecution of defendants brought him a following who encouraged him to run for Recorder’s Court Judge in Detroit, a position which he held for six years. During his tenure, he presided over the famous Dr. Ossian Sweet trials, which earned Frank much national acclaim. The city of Detroit now has a legal building named in his honor – The Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. From 1930-1933, Frank served as Mayor of Detroit, where his innovative solutions for assisting the poor during the Great Depression caught the attention of President Roosevelt, who then became a mentor to young Frank Murphy. In 1933, FDR offered Frank the position of Governor General of the Philippines and tasked him with the responsibility of leading that country from U.S. colonial status to independence. While there, Frank and his family purchased or were gifted many items which are now displayed as part of the museum’s Philippine Cultural Collection. Upon completion of this task, President Roosevelt then asked Murphy to return to the U.S and run for Governor of Michigan. As governor, he presided over the historic General Motors Sit-Down Strike of 1937. After several weeks of deliberation, the strike was ended and the document that was generated from the deliberations became the charter for the United Auto Workers. The table on which this document was signed is on display in the museum. Frank’s next position was as U.S. Attorney General where he created the first Civil Rights section. In 1940, President Roosevelt nominated Murphy to the U.S. Supreme Court on which he served until his death in 1949. His time as Justice was highlighted by his written opinions. Justice Murphy wrote the dissenting opinion for the controversial Korematsu v. case, which focused on the constitutionality of the internment of Japanese-Americans on the West Coast during WWII. A Michigan Legal Milestone marker commemorating Justice Murphy’s dissenting opinion in this case is located on the front lawn of the museum. The museum is a historical site which consists of five buildings, three of which are open for tours, including the Law Office and family home (“The Big House”). While touring the museum, you will also learn about Frank’s siblings: Harold who became postmaster in Harbor Beach, Marguerite who was well-known in the Philippines where she served as Frank’s official hostess, and George, a successful Naval Pilot and Detroit judge. When the Murphy heirs decided to sell the family estate in 1994, at a cost of $250,000, Judge James Lincoln approached the State of Michigan for the money. The state agreed to pay for half of the purchase, with the requirement that the community would pay for the other half. When the purchase was completed, the City of Harbor Beach then bought the complex for one dollar with the understanding that it would remain open as a museum and historical site.

Photos from The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum's post

31/08/2023

We hosted our first boys lunch!! We had a great time and the boys were so excited to be there!! We read the book “the man who didn’t like to wash dishes “.
At the end we viewed George’s room and the airplane propeller we have.
We can’t wait to make this an annual event!

16/08/2023

27 little girls and dolls joined the Dolly and Me Tea Party!
Our project was painting little bird houses 🙂

15/08/2023

An amazing Tea Party was hosted for the Elkton/Bad Axe Red Hatters!

07/07/2023

One of our favorites!!

07/07/2023

This is a hit every year!

07/07/2023

Don’t miss this!!!

22/06/2023

Our first Tea Party of the season is in the books! Thank you to the Red Hatters for sharing your company, and enjoying the Museum!

24/05/2023

Mrs. Page, the Our Lady of Lake Huron 3rd grade class, and three parent chaperones took a tour on Wednesday, May 24th. This wonderful group has been learning about Michigan history, so what a perfect time to visit the Museum!

02/05/2023

We are getting ready for another AWESOME season at the Frank Murphy Memorial Museum! Please follow, and share our page to stay updated on tours, tea parties, and events.
If you have a group that would like to schedule a Tea Party on the fabulous porch of the Museum, please contact Lori at (989) 712-0909 or Sheila at (989) 864-3817.

16/04/2023

Yesterday was “Spring Cleaning” day at The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum! Thanks to all the amazing volunteers that came to help get us ready for our opening weekend!

06/03/2023

The Friends of the Frank Murphy Memorial Museum sponsored their first Essay Contest! Our winners were celebrated on Saturday, March 4, at the Murphy Museum!

The contest topic was:
"What two or three questions would you ask Frank Murphy if you could go back in time and interview him as a Supreme Court Justice?" "Argue for the relevancy of these questions to our Democratic Society, both then, and now."

All high school Juniors from Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties were invited to participate. We received 17 entries! The three chosen winners received cash prizes and a certificate. The first-place winner will have their name on a plaque in the Harbor Beach Visitor Center.

First Place Winner-Dakota Prill - North Huron
Second Place Winner-McKenzie Simmons - Huron Area Tech Center
Third Place Winner-Brett Mueller - Huron Area Tech Center

The judges for the Essay Contest were Pat Murdock, District Court Judge David Herrington, and Greg Zipes (not able to attend)

Thank you to all who participated!

23/09/2022

Don’t miss visiting the Grice Museum for this wonderful event, happening tomorrow- September 24!

Stop by the Frank Murphy Museum for a tour as well! We will have croquet and checkers for people to play, as well as cookies and lemonade!

Don't miss the new Girl Scout display at the Grice House Museum this weekend during Huron County Museum Weekend! The Grice Museum will be open from noon-4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Girl Scout display dedication ceremony will be at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 24th.

11/07/2022

Two more awesome events at the Frank Murphy Museum!!

26/06/2022

MEET THE AUTHOR
FRIDAY, JULY 15th at the Frank Murphy Museum, at 1:00 p.m.

25/01/2022

Happy New Year!!
We are looking forward to our 2022 season at the Frank Murphy Memorial Museum! Let's try to spread the love of this awesome place again!
I am going to give away a 2022 Harbor Beach Calendar! All you have to do is LIKE and SHARE this post! I will pick, and SHIP if necessary to the random winner! Let's get more interest, and knowledge about the museum out there!!!!

22/09/2021

The last Tea Party of the season was held today! These awesome ladies had a grand time, and enjoyed their delicious lunch!
Pictured is the dessert that was served!

13/09/2021

Facts!!!

This sign is outside the Law Office on the Museum Grounds.

19/08/2021

Century-old Model T Fords to invade Harbor Beach!

On Saturday August 28th, over 90 Model T Fords will pay a visit to Harbor Beach, parking by the city pier for a group photo before dispersing through the town to see the sights and have lunch. The Model T’s are taking part in the annual Michigan Jamboree of Model T’s Tour which is making their first visit to the northern Thumb. The first Model T’s should arrive at the park a little before noon, and the public is welcome to stop by for a closer look. This will be the last of three days of touring, each day visiting a different area of the Thumb.

13/08/2021

Stop at the Farmer’s Market TODAY,
and meet Greg Zipes, author of
“Justice and Faith, the Frank Murphy Story”

11/08/2021

Come out Friday, August 13th, and meet the author!

06/08/2021

The Sensient Community Service crew spent time Thursday evening cleaning out the barn at the Frank Murphy Museum. Thank you so much for a job well done!!! The Friends of the Frank Murphy Museum appreciated it so very much.

04/08/2021

A local Book Club enjoyed Tea on the porch of The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum!
Get YOUR group together for an awesome Tea Party at the museum!

30/07/2021

Justice and Faith- The Frank Murphy Story
This will be a great chance to learn more about this fascinating local historical icon!
Meet the Author Greg Zipes, and get your book signed!

28/07/2021

WINNERS of the Drawing for the first 300 "likes" to this page!
This is the 8X12 Canvas that these three people can pick up, or have mailed if you are out of the area!
Please keep inviting your friends, and sharing! I will do a canvas raffle every time we reach 100 more likes! :)

Our first three winners are:
Tom Sorensen
Diane Friedland Reinke
Jessmine McCoy

Please message me (Karen Murphy) to arrange pickup/delivery!

28/07/2021

We are at 195 likes!!
I will be drawing for two prizes tomorrow!
Please invite your friends, even if they are out of the area….let’s showcase this awesome museum! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

27/07/2021

Did you know that you can have a Tea Party with your friends, family, grandkids, or any type of group you wish? You will be in for a big treat with a traditional Tea Party, that includes a tour of the Murphy Museum. The party can be on the front porch, or in the house. These pictures were taken for a group this past month. You will enjoy the light lunch, the tea, and the awesome tour and knowledge that will receive regarding the Frank Murphy family.
Call Lori to set one up! You will love it!

Lori - 989-712-0909

27/07/2021

We have hit 100 likes! I will put the first 100 names in for a drawing!
Great job everyone! Thank you! Keep inviting your friends and sharing!

27/07/2021

Summer is gorgeous at the Frank Murphy Memorial museum! Come and visit!

27/07/2021

The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum updated their information in their About section.

27/07/2021

It's now easier to call The Frank Murphy Memorial Museum.

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Website

https://www.harborbeach.com/frank-murphy-memorial-museum

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00
Saturday	08:00 - 16:00
Sunday	12:00 - 16:00