Founded in 1883 as a reading circle, the South Haven Scott Club is an all-volunteer organization that presents bimonthly arts and cultural programs on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, a concert series in collaboration with Foundry Hall, monthly book discussions and more.
Programs are both educational and entertaining and are presented by authors, artists, musicians, other organizations and experts in a variety of fields. Programs are typically held in either the upstairs meeting room or ground level and followed by refreshments and fellowship on the ground level. All programs are also offered virtually.
The organization maintains its 1893 Michigan Historic Site as a gathering place in support of its arts and cultural mission. Details on the building are contained in the Scott Club Building Section.
Accessibility
The Scott Club is proud of recent accessibility improvements. The building is accessible via an out-swing ADA-compliant automatic entry door with opener on the ground level, east side of the building. The ground level contains an ADA-compliant bathroom. Programs and concerts are held on the architecturally significant upper level, and post-program refreshments are enjoyed on the ground level. For those with mobility limitations an elevator-style ADA-lift connects the ground and upper levels.
Literary Heritage
Continuing its literary heritage, the Scott Club participates in Michigan Humanities Great Michigan Read program, which involves offering programming in support of the selected book and topic and distributing copies of the book, which are provided through Michigan Humanities. Supporting literacy, the organization also provides books to children through its Breakfast with Santa event.
Community
The Scott Club is a member of the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, hosts periodic Open House events to conduct tours to acquaint visitors with the history of the organization and building, and hosts an annual Community Soup Luncheon in coordination with holiday markets. The Scott Club provides member volunteers for community events such as the National Blueberry Festival and provides treats to area children on Halloween.
Dues are kept at a modest level to make the organization financially accessible. A portion of the operating budget and all building improvements are supported through donations.
Annual fundraisers include a spring Flower Sale and a Rummage Sale.
