Beaver Island Historical Society Welcomes You to Our Past
The Beaver Island Historical Society was founded in 1957 to collect and share the fascinating history of Beaver Island. A remote island in Lake Michigan, it has witnessed many interesting and unique historical events, and has been home to various groups including Native Americans, a Mormon branch known as the Strangites, Irish immigrants, fisherman, lumberjacks, and many more.
The Historical Society currently operates two museums on the Island, the Print Shop Museum and the Marine Museum, as well as two additional historical sites: Heritage Park and the Protar Home. We offer several resources and services to our visitors, including genealogical research, copies of archival photos, and a series of historical journals and other books for purchase. Additionally, we host many events throughout the year to promote the Island’s history.
For an overview of Beaver Island History please visit: http://www.beaverisland.net/beaver-island-history
Upcoming Events
Water/Ways Exhibit June 23 - August 5, 2018
Beaver Island Historical Society is pleased to present 4 Water Exhibits
Where: WHISKEY POINT: St. James Township Hall & CMU Boathouse
When: Mon. – Sat. 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. Sunday 1-4 P.M.
Museum Week July 15 - July 21, 2018
38th annual event provides a week of fun, entertainment and education
Where: Various locations on Beaver Island
When: Times vary by day
Museum Hours
*The Museums are open Weekends and will return to daily operations beginning June 16, 2018 and close Labor Day Weekend.
Summer Hours
Monday - Saturday 11-5
Sunday 1-4
Phone
231-448-2253
King Strang
Explore our history, find out about the king, fishing, shipwrecks, island life, natural history, our Irish heritage, and much more.
From Our Facebook Page
The Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit arrived today. We have a group coming over this week to help assemble and Friday night will be the Keynote Address at the Community Center with a reception and premiere opening afterwards. This event is open to the public. See you Friday!
Ron Marsh- this is what the truck and trailer were for yesterday that went to the point
The exhibit has arrived! Join us on Friday evening for the Keynote Address at 7 P.M. and afterwards attend a premiere opening at St. James Township Hall. Starting Saturday the exhibit will be open the same hours as the Museums.
Smithsonian Water/Ways and Water Heritage Project to travel Michigan
content.govdelivery.com
Water will take center stage in two exciting exhibits premiering in Michigan this week, brought by a partnership among the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, Michigan Humanities Council, Cranbrook Institute of Science and Michigan State University.Stop out at the Protar House and see the new interpretive sign.
BIHS MUSEUM WEEK #38
All events unless otherwise posted are freewill donations.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
“This Place Matters” A picnic at the
Beaver Head Lighthouse. 1-5
Monday, July 16
Heritage Park: History Fun Days 1-4
Print Shop: Music on the Porch 7-9
Tuesday, July 17
CMU Open House: Inside of Great Lakes Research at CMU Boathouse 10-4
Heritage Park: History Fun Days 1-4
Holy Cross Church: Drumming Circle, Baraga History & Pilgrimage 2-4
BICC: A Tribute to Barry Pischner and Beaver Island's Balladeers 7-9
Wednesday, July 18
“Picnic at the Point” USCG History with Frank Hacket 12-1
Fellowship Center: Art Show 12-4
Protar’s House: Living History & Tour 12-4
Community Center: Antiques Road Show 7-9
Thursday, July 19
Fellowship Center: Art Show 12-4
Protar’s House: Living History & Tour 12-4
Marine Museum: Meet the Fishing Families, and Boat Captains 12-4
BICS: State of the School Address and Party for the Playground 4-6
In the evening check out the Beaver Island Music Festival!
Friday, July 20
Jewell Gillespie Beach: Water Carnival with children activities
and Clark the Juggler. 11-1
Fellowship Center: Art Show 12-4
Protar’s Cabin: Living History 12-4
BICC: Frank Mays, The story of the Carl D. Bradley 7-9
Saturday, July 21
B.I. Library: A special story hour with Lori E. Taylor, author of Bamboozled on Beaver Island, will present a festive garden walk and a puppet show. 1-2:30
Holy Cross Hall: Bingo returns! Admission at the door 7-9:30
A big thank you to all who will be volunteering their time this summer. Our volunteers are crucial to our success in fulfilling the BIHS motto of “Keeping Island History Alive”.
CURRENTLY, we are looking for additional docents to staff our museums, the Smithsonian exhibit, Protar House, and many other jobs that help keep our facilities in good working order. Tomorrow we will be hosting our annual docent training from 10 - 12 @ Peaine Township Hall. If you are interested in being a part of our volunteer crew, please join us. You can even volunteer with a friend. Please call Sue Oole at (269) 377-9201 or 448-2628, or the Printshop @ 448-2254 and let us know what skills you are willing to share and we will find a way to use those skills to strengthen our mission. We are looking forward to another great summer of historical adventures in 2018!
EDIT: TRAINING IS FROM 10:30 - 12 TODAY AT PEAINE TOWNSHIP HALL
Photography by Frank Solle / Stillpoint Photography