Our Story

The Coleman family in the mid 1930's — The Coleman family in the mid 1930’s
From the left: Roosevelt, Henry, Nelzean, Samuel (father), Charles. Elizabeth (mother), Gladys, William: in front, Marion, Shirley, Kenneth.
Not pictured unborn as yet Marva.

Video Source: Marshall Historical Society

SAMUEL COLEMAN HOUSE

In 1928 the Samuel Coleman family settled in Marshall and became one of only two African American families living in Marshall. The city’s black population had dwindled from 109 in 1870 to 9 in 1920, in part because more work was available in nearby Albion and Battle Creek. In 1937 Coleman and his sons made 3,000 cement blocks and used them to build this house. Samuel, his wife, Elizabeth, and their 12 children lived in the house, which also served as a furniture repair shop and a fruit market.

Erected: 2000 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L2009.)

Our Core Values

Heritage

The Samuel Coleman Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Samuel Coleman, a pivotal figure in African-American history in Michigan, especially in Calhoun County. The foundation works to honor his contributions by maintaining the historical significance of the Samuel Coleman family home, now recognized as a landmark.

Education

One of the primary goals of the foundation is to encourage and assist local students in pursuing higher education. Through the annual scholarship program, the foundation supports deserving young individuals on their journey to success, ensuring they have the resources to continue their education.

Community

The foundation believes in the importance of community engagement. By restoring and maintaining the Samuel Coleman family home, the foundation creates a space for tours and events that connect the local community with their shared history, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and a stronger future together.

Support Our Mission

The Samuel Coleman Historical Foundation wants to preserve Samuel Coleman’s legacy by informing people about hos contribution to African-American history in Michigan, specifically in Calhoun County. Some ways of accomplishing this is to encourage and assist local students to further their education by awarding an annual scholarship, restoration, and maintenance of the house for tours and community events.

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