The first school in Montcalm County started in Greenville in 1845.  The old wooden Cass Street School was built in 1853 by Joseph Hart. This was a two-story building of two rooms to which a two-story, two-room addition was later built.  During the two years when it was unused, part of it was sold and moved to E. Grove Street near the railroad where it became the Eagle Hotel.

In September 1871, two primary rooms were opened in what remained.  The year 1895 marks the first attempt at kindergarten work. 

It was used until 1902 when it was moved and became a duplex on W. Orange Street.  The new building, constructed in 1902, a four-room red brick structure was used as a school until 1950 when, condemned by the State Fire Marshal, it was turned over to the city to be used as a public library with the proviso that the city maintain the playground.  This remained the public library until November 5, 1967.  The property was then returned to the public school system to be used as the Board of Education offices.

From the one-teacher school in 1845, the Cass Street property was used for educating students in one form or another for one hundred forty-seven years.  The Cass Street School began serving the educational needs of the children just eight years after educating students became a primary focus of the citizens of Greenville.

When the Board of Education vacated the Cass Street property in 2001, the Fighting Falcon Military Museum purchased the building and property.

The official Grand Opening was held on Saturday, August 21, 2004. It was a marvelous day exemplifying the museum motto: PERSISTENCE, FRUGALITY AND GENEROSITY!

The FFMM secured monies from local donors in 2012 to install an elevator to the second floor area.

What started out to be a glider museum soon grew to include exhibits from the Civil War, World War I, World War II in Europe and the Pacific, the Korean conflict, Viet Nam and more recent conflicts, thanks to donations of memorabilia from many area veterans and the work of numerous volunteers. This museum is an ongoing project since memorabilia and stories of area veterans continue to be contributed.

 We do not accept any taxpayer monies.  An account has been established with the Greenville Area Community Foundation to provide funds for the museum in perpetuity.