
Local stores, museums offer presents with that hometown touch
Local stores, museums offer presents with that hometown touch

Gift givers and recipients might appreciate presents with a hometown touch. Among the items at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park are plush Major Muskrat animals, held by Jami Keegan, park business manager, along with clothing and books. (Monroe News Photo/Alex Alusheff)
The perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season may be one that reminds them of home.
From shirts and coffee mugs branded with each city and township’s name to historical memorabilia, shops and museums throughout the county offer lots of local flair for gift ideas.
The Monroe County Historical Museum, 126 S. Monroe St., offers a variety of goods for the history buff or the homesick college student.
The gift shop has history books on Bedford Township, Dundee and, of course, Gen. George Armstrong Custer as well as postcards, ornaments and Cat’s Meow Collectibles of the courthouse, Sawyer House and Dorsch Memorial Branch Library.
“It’s great to have these brands,” said Andy Clark, museum director. “People are always looking for something with a Monroe spin. People like the hometown affiliation.”
Monroe County Historical Museum shirts and Civil War hats also are available for purchase. The items range between $1 and $50.
Those looking for a more historical theme to their gifts can visit the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, 1403 E. Elm Ave.
Its gift shop offers paintings and posters of French Town during the War of 1812 as well as books on the battle such as “Invaded on All Sides,” by Ralph Naveaux.
Major Muskrat figurines and plush stuffed animals are popular sellers, which cost between $10 and $25, said Jami Keegan, business manager of the park.