Beginning in 2004, a group of Old Mission Peninsula residents, concerned that a matter of great historical significance was about to be lost to future generations, collaborated with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and Peninsula Township to raise over $575,000 to buy the Dougherty Historic Home Site, a property consisting of a home and 15 acres of surrounding land in the village of Old Mission, Michigan.

The Dougherty Historic Home Site is now part of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. The home and surrounding grounds require extensive restoration. When completed, the Home Site will become an historical, cultural and educational center for all visitors with plans for the surrounding 15 acres calling for heirloom orchards and gardens which will reflect farming in the late 19th century.

Other expressed thoughts about the purpose and use of the Historic Home Site:

“It would be a great thing to continue the tradition of my grandmother, Minnie Rushmore, of opening the Mission House at anytime for all to come visit, and share just as Peter Dougherty and his family did so very long ago.”
Nancy Rushmore Hooper, 2005

“As the past is prologue to the future, it is in our best interest to preserve this historically significant landmark as it is a genuine and irreplaceable piece of local heritage.”
Senator George McManus, 2005