Scott Club to host Launch for the LIFT - Open House 

The South Haven Scott Club, one of South Haven’s oldest organizations, will host an open house on May 17 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at its 1893 Michigan Historic Site on the corner of Phoenix and Pearl Streets. There will be brief remarks at 4:00 pm. 

The Open House, “Launch for the LIFT”, will give area residents an opportunity to tour the Scott Club building, see the beautiful historic space, both strong points and limitations, learn about upcoming plans to make the building fully accessible and also enjoy refreshments and camaraderie.

The Scott Club provides bimonthly educational and entertaining programs and a concert series which are free and open to all. These events are typically held in the architecturally significant upper level of the Scott Club building.  Currently the upper level is only accessible via a narrow, steep staircase. Those with mobility limitations are able to view the programs via a flat screen with audio on the ground level, and remain there where post-program refreshments are served.

To make the entire building accessible and allow attendees to fully participate in and experience programs and concerts, the Scott Club plans to install a lift in the first quarter of 2026. Early “quiet phase” fundraising has been strong and grant applications are pending. Now the organization seeks broader community support to complete funding for this important building improvement, which will be a benefit to area residents and tourists alike.

The Scott Club traces its origins to 1883, when pioneer women organized a group of friends to expand their horizons through the study of literature, other countries and cultures. The name Scott Club was adopted when the group was reading the works of Sir Walter Scott. The organization proudly owns its 1893 building and carries on the mission of providing literary, arts and cultural programming. In recent years, the Scott Club has completed significant renovation projects to keep the building well-maintained, as well as improve accessibility with an out-swing ADA-approved entry door and an accessible bathroom. Although membership remains predominantly female, the Scott Club welcomes male members as well. 

The Scott Club is an all-volunteer nonprofit, open to all, which provides bimonthly educational and entertaining programs and a concert series. The Scott Club hosts an annual Community Soup Luncheon and Brunch with Santa. The organization has participated in the Great Michigan Read and also provides member volunteers to community events like the Blueberry Festival. Members may also participate in monthly book discussions, special tours and social events.