About Us
Muskegon County Genealogical Society was founded in 1972. Our goal is to gather all persons interested in preserving family history and to assist members and friends of the society in the compilation of family histories and genealogical investigation.
Our purpose is:
- To gather people interested in genealogy and family history, emphasizing Muskegon County.
- To promote genealogical research and public access to genealogical materials.
- To teach genealogy research methods, documentation standards, and other skills.
- To compile and publish Muskegon County genealogical data.
- To contribute genealogy materials and other aids to libraries and archival organizations.

The Torrent House, located at 315 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan, has been home to Hackley Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Department since 2012, when during a renovation of the Library, the department moved from the Library's basement to the house. The move was intended to be temporary, but the department was such a good fit within the house, a decision to make it permanent was made. The house was owned by Muskegon Public Schools at that time, but during the spring of 2024, the Library gained ownership of the mansion as well as the Library's main building.
Originally, the 31-room mansion was the home of John and Caroline Torrent, their five sons, and two daughters. Construction of the home began June, 1891 and was completed, October, 1882. Built for family use, the basement included a bowling alley and a large workshop. On the first floor were the kitchen, dining room, and two parlors. The second floor contained bedrooms and sitting rooms, and the third floor had a large room for parties, as well as a card room.
Hackley Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Department maintains a large collection of local history and genealogical materials and provides access to many online databases. The collection primarily concentrates on information related to the West Michigan area but has numerous materials which reach farther afield. Also available are computer workstations, microfilm scanners, and staff to assist with how to use research materials. The department's business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

C/O Hackley Public Library – Torrent House
Local History & Genealogy Dept.
315 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440-1208