The Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History

“The Ella” includes five galleries, Ella Sharp’s 19th century farmhouse, an Interpretive Center, a gift shop and more, all nestled on the beautiful Museum campus inside the Ella Sharp Park. Opened in 1965, the Museum is dedicated to promote the understanding and appreciation of art and history through exceptional exhibitions and engaging educational programs. Throughout the year, the Museum offers a variety of lectures, tours, gallery walks and events, such as the popular Art & Wine Festival.

The galleries will enchant lovers of art and history. The Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art holds the Midwest’s finest wildlife art collection; visit the Jackson History Gallery to learn more about the city where the Republican Party was born.

Contact the Museum by phone at (517) 787-2320 or visit The Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History online for more information.

Who is Ella?

On February 14, 1857, Ella was born on her family’s farm—the site of the present-day Ella Sharp Park. Hillside Farm was large and prosperous, encompassing over 400 acres and supporting large flocks of sheep. Educated in Jackson as well as in Ontario, Canada and Kalamazoo, Mich., Ella visited Europe twice as a young woman.

After a long courtship, Ella married Jackson lawyer John Sharp in the front parlor of the family home on December 22, 1881. Following their honeymoon in New Orleans, the couple returned to Jackson and eventually moved into the family home, taking over the management of Hillside Farm.

Both John and Ella were politically active: John was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1887 and Ella was heavily involved in the Women’s Club movement. In 1895, she served as treasurer, vice president and chairperson of the Forestry and Civic Improvement committees of the Michigan State Federation of Women’s Clubs. Widowed at the age of 51, Ella threw herself into civil improvement projects, fulfilled many public speaking engagements and traveled extensively.

Ella died in Jackson of kidney failure in early November of 1912. She is remembered as an active advocate for her city and her state, and her will fully revealed her commitment to her community. To the city of Jackson, Ella left 400 acres of her estate for use as a public park, the contents of her homes for “the nucleus of a museum” and the balance of her estate “for beautifying and maintaining said park.”

On October 22, 1998, Ella Sharp was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her work in forestry and civic improvement in the early 20th century.