Ste. Marie Foundation House to Welcome Visitors During America 250 Celebration
As the community gathers on July 3 for the America 250: A Jasper County Celebration, one of the most meaningful stops in Ste. Marie won’t be found on a stage or in a food line—but inside a home filled with history.
The Ste. Marie Foundation House will be open during the celebration, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step inside a space that represents both the past and future of this small but deeply rooted community.
Owned and operated by the Sainte Marie Foundation, the house is part of a larger mission: to preserve the history of Ste. Marie while strengthening the community for generations to come. The Foundation itself was created to “preserve and improve the quality of life in Sainte Marie” while honoring its heritage and keeping former residents connected to their hometown.
From Family Home to Community Landmark
The Foundation House began as the Harley and Lena Kirts House, later gifted to the Foundation in 2008 with the vision of preserving it for community use.
What followed was a significant renovation effort. Volunteers and supporters worked to restore the home from a deteriorating condition—repairing the foundation, replacing structural elements, restoring the porch, and bringing the house back to life.
Today, the result is more than just a restored building.
It’s a space that reflects the care, pride, and determination of a community that values its roots.
A Living Piece of Ste. Marie History
Inside the Foundation House, visitors will find more than walls and rooms—they’ll find stories.
The home has served as a temporary museum space, housing historical displays that include:
- Interviews with longtime Ste. Marie residents
- Vintage photographs and wedding collections
- Antique furniture, clothing, and quilts
- Art and artifacts connected to the town’s early years
These pieces offer a glimpse into everyday life in Ste. Marie across generations, connecting today’s visitors with the people and moments that shaped the village.
The Foundation also operates a separate museum and continues to expand its historical collections, ensuring that the stories of Ste. Marie are not lost over time.
More Than a Museum—A Place to Gather
While history is at its heart, the Foundation House is also designed to bring people together today.
The home is available for:
- Family gatherings
- Meetings and community events
- Weddings and celebrations
- A welcoming place for former residents returning home
In fact, the Foundation encourages former residents to think of it as a “home away from home”—a place where connections to Ste. Marie can continue, no matter how far life has taken them.
A Perfect Stop During July 3 Celebration
During the America 250 celebration, visitors can experience both sides of Ste. Marie:
- The energy of the event outside—classic cars, porkburgers, live music, and games
- And the quiet reflection inside the Foundation House, where history is preserved and shared
It’s a reminder that while celebrations bring people together for a moment, places like the Foundation House ensure those moments—and the stories behind them—are never forgotten.
As fireworks light up the sky at 9 p.m., they’ll mark more than just a celebration of the nation.
They’ll reflect a community that continues to honor where it came from—while opening its doors to the future.
