Sponsorship & Grants

We need your help! Whether you are a permanent or a part-time resident, a visitor or a tourist, a current or past member of the BIHS or a past member, or new to us entirely, you are important to us.

 

_DSC1208

GRANTS

The Beaver Island Historical Society is fortunate to have received grants and funding from the following organizations. For questions about a particular project or grant, please contact the executive director of BIHS.

Beaver Island Historical Society Announces 2026 Grants, Restoration Projects, and Community Initiatives

The Beaver Island Historical Society is pleased to announce an active year of preservation, restoration, educational programming, and community partnerships throughout 2026.

Building upon years of organizational growth and investment in Beaver Island’s cultural resources, BIHS continues to advance projects that preserve and share the unique history of Beaver Island and the Archipelago while expanding access, interpretation, and long-term sustainability.

Major 2026 Preservation & Capital Projects

One of the Society’s highest priorities this year remains continued collaboration surrounding the preservation and future restoration of Beaver Head Lighthouse. BIHS continues to work cooperatively with property owners Charlevoix County and Networks Northwest to support long-term stewardship planning, restoration discussions, public engagement, and ongoing advocacy for the historic site.

Additional capital and infrastructure priorities for 2026 include continued improvements to the Marine Museum campus, accessibility upgrades, exhibit enhancements, and collections stewardship initiatives. Previous restoration and accessibility work at the Marine Museum has helped position the facility for future expansion and interpretation opportunities.

America250 and Community Heritage Initiatives

In preparation for the national America250 commemoration, BIHS is coordinating several major public history initiatives focused on veterans, Native American fishing heritage, oral histories, and community storytelling.

Projects currently underway include:

  • Development of a Native American Fishing Heritage Exhibit
  • Oral history recording initiatives with island veterans and fishing families
  • Archival preservation and interpretive programming
  • Community exhibits and educational events tied to the July 2026 America250 activities
  • Expanded public interpretation of maritime and cultural history

These efforts align with statewide goals encouraging investment in local history, preservation, exhibits, and educational programming connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

New Exhibits & Educational Programming

BIHS will continue expanding exhibits and educational opportunities across its museum system in 2026, including ongoing interpretation related to Indigenous history, maritime culture, island families, genealogy, and regional heritage.

Recent and ongoing exhibit work includes:

  • “We Are Still Here” Native American Boarding School exhibit
  • Maritime and fishing heritage interpretation
  • Oral history listening initiatives
  • Genealogy and Irish heritage research development
  • Seasonal educational programming and public lectures
  • Museum Week events celebrating local artists, musicians, and culture

Youth & Community Investment

BIHS Kids Camp will return in July 2026, continuing one of the Society’s most successful youth initiatives. The program serves approximately 50 children annually through place-based STEAM education, cultural programming, outdoor exploration, arts activities, and leadership development opportunities for young counselors.

The Society has also continued strengthening partnerships with regional organizations, tribal partners, local governments, schools, arts organizations, and community nonprofits to expand programming and preserve Beaver Island’s cultural landscape.

Grant Support & Organizational Growth

Throughout 2026, BIHS continues pursuing and managing a combination of state, regional, foundation, and community grants supporting preservation, programming, accessibility, and organizational sustainability. Recent and ongoing support has included funding partnerships connected to:

  • Michigan Arts & Culture Council
  • America250MI
  • Charlevoix County Community Foundation
  • Local and regional philanthropic supporters

The Society remains deeply grateful for the continued support of donors, volunteers, members, grant partners, and the Beaver Island community whose investment makes these projects possible.

As BIHS continues its mission to preserve and share Beaver Island’s unique history, 2026 represents another important year of collaborative preservation, community engagement, and investment in the Island’s future.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

The Beaver Island Historical Society’s goal of “Keeping Island history alive” is an attempt to remind us of history’s importance in our lives. We are asking you to consider the possibility of becoming a Beaver Island Historical Society member as a very important corporate sponsor (our highest level of support).

Our existing Corporate Sponsors have expressed satisfaction and report that their membership has been good for business.
As a corporate sponsor you and or your company will be:

  • Listed on our website with a link to your business
  • Publicized in all our printed material and digital signage, including our newsletters, brochures, and programs
  • Invited to participate in after hours special events and corporate tours of our museums

We are grateful for your consideration and hope you will join our team. To purchase a corporate sponsorship please visit our Membership page. After registration, you will be contacted and asked to provide an icon and web address for your business.

Our current corporate sponsors