A Brief History of the Legendary Folk Venue
The Ark was established in 1965 as an outreach ministry—a coffeehouse—by four local churches: Northside Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Calvary Presbyterian Church, and Campus Chapel. Though the Ark began as a partnership between religious organizations, the purpose of the Ark was not evangelism. Rather, the Ark founders wanted to provide university students with a safe, substance-free space where music, discussion, and artistic expression could thrive, and a respite from the turbulent campus climate of the mid 1960s.
After the Presbyterians dropped the lease (and later destroyed the house) The Ark was forced to find a new home. It opened its doors for a second time on September 7, 1984, occupying the second floor of the old brick factory building on S. Main and Mosley.
Read this article published in the 1990 Ann Arbor Observer for a great read about The Ark’s early history.
Enjoy These Audio Samples
Rye Whiskey
Railroading on the Great Divide
Brandy Leave Me Alone
How To Help
We need to raise $100,000 to take the project to completion with extreme attention to detail by professionals, University of Michigan students, and highly skilled volunteers.
The Siglin Music Preservation Fund, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization was formed to raise the money necessary for all phases of this project. All contributions are tax deductible.
We’re looking forward to your joining us in making a historic gift to benefit music lovers everywhere....and to help us spread the word by sharing this website to others who know and appreciate the legacy of the Ark.
Thank you so much!
Donations by Check are preferred as 100% of your contributions goes to SMPF
Please make payable to: Siglin Music Preservation Fund
and mail to: Siglin Music Preservation Fund
c/o David Siglin, President
925 Sunnyside Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48103