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
231-448-2254
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
Ahoy there, schooner Madeline! Created by the Maritime Heritage Alliance between 1985-90, this 56ft. twin-masted 1840's commercial replica arrives just in time for the Pirate Party on the Point, this Saturday the 23rd from 4-8pm.
BIHS will host a Pirate Party 4-8 p.m. on Saturday (June 23) at Whiskey Point. Activities include Contra Dancing with music by Cut Finger Band. Other activities will include exploring the Madeline schooner, the Water|Ways exhibit. , games, a treasure hunt, burgers, dogs and the trimmings. Best dressed Pirates win a special prize! Hope to see you there, freewill donations will be accepted.
A film created by filmmaker and historian Bob Krepkie, "America's Ancient Industry, Part II, Travel Routes," highlights Beaver Island and speculates that it was part of an ancient trade route in the mining of Upper Peninsula copper. This film is scheduled to be shown on PBS TV, July 1, 2018, at 3:00 PM. Other dates will be scheduled later.
Bob Krepkie, is filmmaker and historian for the Ford Motor Company. His film won the PBS Broadcasting Award for 2018,
and was in competition with other documentary filmmakers: ESPN, Toyota, U.S. National Archives, Denmark TV, Kaleidoscope Pictures and National Geographic.
It will soon be made available for purchase by PBS. If possible we will try to get a copy and make available for a special public viewing. Check back in the future for more updates.
Petoskey News-Review about our exhibit opening!
Welcome aboard Charlie VanderKlipp. He is our marketing intern and will be out and about attending island events and posting Beaver Island videos and social media posts. Stop by the Print Shop for an introduction and extend a friendly invitation to your events.
Photography by Frank Solle / Stillpoint Photography