NEW: Event Submission Form

If you have an event you would like considered for posting on the MHC website and statewide calendar, please click here. Staff will review your request and if it fits our humanities guidelines, we will post it to the statewide calendar. This is open to all Michigan organizations. Events should be open to the public at little or no cost.

MHC Funded Events

The Way We Worked

Through May 18 in Clare
May 24 – July 6 in Hart
Region: Northwest and West Central
The traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition The Way We Worked is on display in Clare at the Pere Marquette District Library through May 18, and then opens in Hart at the Hart Area Public Library on May 24. The exhibit uses images, objects and interactive components such as music to explore the history of America’s workforce. Don’t miss your opportunity to see a Smithsonian exhibit in our rural communities! In addition to hosting the exhibit, the libraries will present their own programming such as photo displays and lectures. For more information, visit the exhibit website.

Tumult and Tragedy Exhibit

May 2 – June 1 in Calumet
Region: U.P.
“Tumult and Tragedy: Michigan’s 1913-14 Copper Strike” is an exhibit presented by Michigan Technological University Archives that explores the tragedy and story surrounding the famous 1913-14 copper strike. The conflict, sorrow and tragedy of this confrontation between organized labor and mining companies affected local residents from all walks of life, created national headlines, and still resonates in Michigan’s Copper Country today. The exhibit is on its last stop of the U.P. tour and is on display now at the Calumet Visitors Center at the Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet. On May 23, visitors can hear Gary Kaunonen discuss “Interpreting the 1913 Michigan Copper Strike.” The presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the visitors’ center. For more information, visit www.1913strike.mtu.edu.

Great Michigan Read Registration

Opens May 15 Statewide
Join us in this year’s statewide reading initiative! Dive into a book exploring mental illness, immigration, genealogy and family secrets wit this year’s Great Michigan Read title, Annie’s Ghosts by Detroit native and Washington Post Associate Editor Steve Luxenberg. All nonprofits and for-profits can register as partners. Select non-profit organizations are eligible to receive up to 30 free copies of the book. For more information on this MHC program, visit www.michiganhumanities.org.

Made in Michigan Bus Tour

May 17-18 in south, central Michigan
Recently awarded with a major grant, Wayne State University Press' Made in Michigan Writers Series authors are embarking on a day-long literary voyage across the state. The first-ever tour of Michigan-based authors will make stops in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing/Okemos and Grand Rapids. All events are free and open to the public! Featured authors include Chris Dombrowski, Janet Kaufman, Bonnie Jo Campbell, Ron Riekki, Jack Ridl, Andy Mozina, Gloria Whelan, ML Liebler, Michael Delp, Keith Taylor, Francine J. Harris and Phillip Sterling. Event schedule: May 17, 5:30-8 p.m. at The Old Miami in Detroit.; May 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ann Arbor District Library Downtown; May 18, 3-4:30 p.m. at Schuler Books in Okemos; May 18, 6:30-8 p.m. at Grand Rapids Public Museum. For more information, visit wsupress.wayne.edu.

Journey Stories

June 1 – July 26 in Alpena
Region: Northeast
The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition Journey Stories will make its way through Michigan, starting first in Alpena at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. This exhibit explores individual stories that illustrate the critical roles travel and movement have played in building our diverse American society. In addition to hosting the exhibit, Thunder Bay will provide additional programming such as special events and lectures. The exhibit will also tour Coloma (Southwest), Dundee (Southeast), Curtis (U.P.) and Charlevoix (Northwest). For more information, visit www.michgianhumanities.org/programs/journeystories.

Put it on Paper Exhibit

Now through August 2013 in Lansing
Region: Southeast
This special exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum is a celebration and investigation of the creative process. “Put it on Paper” shows you authentic examples of the process in the work of authors, artists, illustrators, architects, musicians and engineers. No matter your age, you’re invited to work out your own creativity through drawing, sketching, coloring and building your own ideas in the exhibit’s creative center. Museum admission is $6 adults, $4 seniors and $2 (optional) kids. This exhibit is funded in part by an MHC major grant. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/museum or call (517) 373-3559.

Statewide Events

Click on the map to the right to go directly to a region.

Upper Peninsula

Vintage Baseball at Grand Hotel

May 18 at Mackinac Island
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island hosts this vintage baseball game that includes teams from Michigan and Illinois. Each of the games are played by the gentleman rules of the 1860s and will be played at Woodfill Park at the foothills of the Grand Hotel. At noon, see the Chelsea Monitors play the Petoskey Mossbacks. A second game will be played at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.mackinacisland.org or call (800) 454-5227.

Celebrating 80 Years at Bay Cliff

Now through June 1 in Marquette
The Marquette Regional History Center hosts an exhibit celebrating 80 years at Bay Cliff Health Camp. Elba Morse, RN, and Dr. Goldie Cornelieson began the camp during the Depression to  help undernourished children of the Upper Peninsula. With the polio epidemic of the 1940s, its mission expanded to reach out to physically disabled children, a mission it continues today. Visitors can see early therapeutic devices and view historic film of the campus. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the history center. For more information, call (989) 226-3571.

Northeast

McGulpin Point Lighthouse Barn Archaeological Dig

May 13 in Mackinaw City
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society presents this event where Dr. Sarah Surface-Evans will share the findings of the archaeological investigations of the former McGulpin Point Lighthouse Barn. Admission is free; the event is open from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Mackinaw Public Library. For more information, call (231) 373-9793 or visit www.mackinawhistory.org.

Northwest

Opening Day: Music House Museum

May 1 in Acme
Recognized as one of the 10 reasons to visit Michigan’s Lower Peninsula on Forbes.com, don’t miss a visit to the Music House Museum this summer! The museum’s unique and rare collection takes visitors through the sounds and history of automated music. Tours begin May 1 and are held Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.musichouse.org or call (231) 938-9300.

Civil War Muster Day

May 11 in Ludington
Experience cannon firings, weapon interpretations, a 19th Century fashion show, Civil War handcrafts and more at this Civil War Muster Day at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington. Memorabilia from the Civil War era will be displayed and re-enactors and veterans will give visitors a first-hand account of this important period of our history. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.historicwhitepinevillage.org, call (231) 843-4808 or email info@historicwhitepinevillage.org.

History of Chandler Township

May 21 in Boyne City
Presented by the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society, don't miss this second History Speaker Series Event of 2013! Guest speaker Micki Howard will discuss the history of Chandler Township on May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Boyne District Library - Lower Level Community Room. Howard, former co-chair of the Chandler Township Bicentennial Committee, has created a slide-tape history as well as a quilt depicting the land ownership history of the area from the earliest settlers to 1976. She will display both these items, as well as relate stories about the logging town of Springvale; Cobbs & Mitchell, a large logging company which owned more than 70 percent of the land in the township at one time; and the "heart of the township," township hall. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (231) 582-5326.

East Central

Our Civil War Legacy: Midland’s Past Marches Forward

April 12 – Oct. 26 in Midland
Don’t miss this exhibit building on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the Civil War veterans who came to the Midland area after the war due to the enticement of land grants and other allurements. This exhibit is presented by the Midland County Historical Society and is on display at the Doan History Center. For more information, call (989) 631-5930 or visit www.mcfta.org.

The Brave and the Faithful: Michigan in the Civil War

Through October 2013 in Flint
The Civil War was fought by people from your hometown. Despite the fact that no battles were fought in Michigan, Genesee County’s fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and even some mothers and daughters sacrificed plenty to save the Union. Be transported back, while discovering real stories of our hometown heroes’ selfless adoption of the Union cause, conspicuous bravery on the battle field, daring escapes from prison camps, and tales of astounding loss in a time not so different from our own. This exhibit is open at the Sloan Museum in Flint. Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors and $6 youth (ages 3-11). For more information, call (810) 237-3440.

West Central

Spring Into the Past

May 4 – 5 in Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm Counties
The Tri-River Historical Museum Network presents “Spring Into the Past,” where 24 small West Michigan Museums will be open May 4-5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. These museums are housed in historic depots, town halls, schools, churches, stores or homes and offer a look at life in the past. For more information or a brochure of museums and locations, visit www.commoncorners.com or call (616) 874-6271.

Tulip Time Festival

May 4 – 11 in Holland
Celebrating more than 80 years of Dutch culture, heritage and beauty, the Tulip Time Festival is a multi-generational event that has a little bit of something for everyone. There will be three parades, multiple Dutch dance performances, concerts, theater, Dutch attractions, Dutch food, children’s events, trolley tours and much more! For more information, call (800) 822-2770 or visit www.tuliptime.com.

2013 Hackley Lecture

May 13 in Muskegon
Roy S. Roberts, a graduate of Muskegon High School and 2011 appointee as emergency manager of Detroit Public Schools, will return to his home town to deliver the 2013 Charles H. Hackley Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities. Each year, the Friends of the Hackley Public Library sponsors this lecture by someone with ties to Muskegon who has distinguished himself or herself in the humanities. Roberts will speak about his views on education presently and the future. This event is free and open to the public; it begins at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregation Church, 1201 Jefferson Street, in Muskegon. For more information, contact the Hackley Public Library at (231) 722-7276.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Through July 7 in Grand Rapids
Go back in time to 1912 upon entrance, as you receive a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard Titanic. Begin a chronological journey through the life of the Titanic, moving through the ship’s construction, to life on board, to the ill-fated sinking and amazing artifact rescue efforts. Marvel at the re-created First Class and Third Class accommodations, and press your palms against an iceberg while learning of countless stories of heroism and humanity. In the “Memorial Gallery” take your boarding pass to the memorial wall and discover whether your passenger and traveling companions survived or perished. For exhibit information, contact the Museum at (616) 929-1700.

Southeast

Jackson Storyfest

May 2-4 in Jackson
Enjoy events with storytellers from across the country in the 26th annual Jackson Storyfest. Spotlight events include an evening concert May 3 with Dan Keding and Mary Hamilton at Jackson High School Auditorium (544 Wildwood Ave.); and student storytellers and musical duo “Gemini” at a Family Storytelling Matinee on May 4. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.jacksonstoryfest.com.

Living on the Edge: History of Auto Racing in Michigan

May 15 in Grosse Pointe
The Grosse Pointe Historical Society presents this discussion from author Rick Sigsby on the history of automobile racing in Michigan and why the sport has become one of the most popular spectator sports in the country. The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House. Admission is free. For more information, call (313) 844-7010 or visit www.gphistorical.org.

Howell History Days

May 18 in Howell
The Howell Area Historical Society, in partnership with the Howell Carnegie Library, presents the 10th Annual Howell History Days Celebration on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This celebration promotes awareness of the history of Howell and educates each generation of the importance of preserving historical buildings and personal heritage. Visit with living historians and experience the evolution of fashion on display in the Meabon Room in the lower level of the library. Tours of the Depot Museum and Caboose, Opera House, Historic Livingston County Court House, the Carnegie library along with other historical buildings, are available. For more information, call (517) 548-6876 or visit the event webpage.

A Cultural Thread: The Enduring Ukrainian Spirit

Through June 26 in Detroit
The Detroit Historical Society, in cooperation with the Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit, present this exhibit introducing the history of Ukrainian immigration to the United States and its impact on American culture over the years. Information presented relates particularly to local communities of the Detroit metropolitan area. The exhibit is on display in the Community Gallery of the Detroit Historical Museum – admission is free. For more information, call (313) 833-1805 or visit www.detroithistorical.org.

Southwest

Farm History Day

May 10 in Bangor
Presented by the Michigan Flywheelers Museum, Farm History Day offers students, teachers and chaperones a chance to learn about life on a rural farm in the early 1900s. Take a self-guided outdoor tour around the museum and participate in hands-on displays like candle making, pressing fruit and using a two-man saw. This is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. If you are planning on bringing a large group, please call ahead to (269) 639-2010.

First by Car and First by Air: All from Southwest Michigan

May 21 in Coloma
The North Berrien Historical Society presents this event with local historian Dr. Stuart Boekeloo. He will discuss famous transportation firsts in Berrien County, including the Baushke automobile and early flight on Silver Beach. The museum will display space travel literature and a space food tray prototype developed by the Whirlpool Corporation for NASA. Admission is free. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call (269) 468-3330 or visit www.northberrienhistory.org.

Civil War Days

May 24-26 in Coldwater
Experience living history in the 1860s with period demonstrations, campsites, a battle at Gettysburg, a period dance with music by the Golden Griffon, and more at this three-day Civil War re-enactment. Admission is free and the event will be held at Heritage Park in Coldwater. For more information, call (517) 278-8032 or visit www.cwcwmi.com.

Southwest Michigan in the Civil War

Through Dec. 2014 in St. Joseph
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center present this exhibit exploring the life of a local soldier – from recruitment to training camp and arrival on the battlefield for the Civil War. Hands-on elements are included for younger visitors. Admission is $5 adults, $1 for children ages 6-18, and children under 5 are free. For more information, visit www.theheritagemcc.org or call (269) 983-1191.