Michigan Humanities

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Iron Mountain
2026-09-12 - 2026-10-24 | Menominee Range Historical Museum, 411 Kent St, Iron Mountain, MI, 49801
The Menominee Range Historical Museum will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from September 12–October 24, 2026. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Menominee Range Historical Museum’s website for museum hours and more information.

In Pursuit Lecture Series—William Henry Harrison and the Power of Presidential Storytelling
2026-09-22 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit)
In this virtual event, beloved civic educator Sharon McMahon examines the short but symbolically powerful presidency of William Henry Harrison. Through engaging stories and myth-busting insights, she explores how Harrison’s campaign transformed political messaging and how presidential narratives—true or not—shape public memory. An ideal program for audiences who enjoy accessible, energetic history.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend here.

In Pursuit Lecture Series—John F. Kennedy: Rethinking the Camelot Myth
2026-10-13 20:00 - 21:00
In this virtual event, historian Alexis Coe offers a fresh, lively, and deeply researched look at John F. Kennedy. Moving beyond the familiar “Camelot” narrative, she explores how JFK constructed his public identity, how his presidency reshaped American culture, and why his story continues to captivate generations. A smart, engaging program for anyone interested in leadership and public memory.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend here.

In Pursuit Lecture Series—John Quincy Adams & Louisa Adams: A Partnership That Shaped a Nation
2026-10-27 20:00 - 21:00
In this virtual event, historian Lindsay Chervinsky and author Louisa Thomas explore the extraordinary political and personal partnership of John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams. This program highlights their role in shaping early American diplomacy, political identity, and the evolving expectations of public service. Together, the speakers illuminate a marriage that was both deeply human and historically significant.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend here.

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Fowlerville
2026-10-31 - 2026-12-12 | Fowlerville District Library, 130 S Grand Ave, Fowlerville, MI, 48836
The Fowlerville District Library will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from October 31–December 12, 2026. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Fowlerville District Library’s website for library hours and more information.

In Pursuit Lecture Series—Sarah & James K. Polk: Power, Partnership, and Politics in the 1840s
2026-11-10 20:00 - 21:00
In this virtual event, two leading scholars bring to life the dynamic partnership of President James K. Polk and First Lady Sarah Polk—one of the most influential political couples of the 19th century. Amy Greenberg and Matt Costello explore territorial expansion, wartime leadership, and the often overlooked political power wielded by Sarah Polk. A lively and insightful look at a transformative decade.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend here.

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Stevensville
2026-12-19 - 2027-01-30 | Lincoln Township Public Library, 2099 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI, 49127
The Lincoln Township Public Library will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from December 19, 2026–January 30, 2027. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Lincoln Township Public Library’s website for library hours and more information.

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Big Rapids
2027-02-04 - 2027-03-19 | Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery, 805 Campus Drive - UCB 205, Big Rapids, MI, 49307
The Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from February 4–March 19, 2027. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery’s website for hours and more information.

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Port Sanilac
2027-03-27 - 2027-05-08 | Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum, 228 S. Ridge St, Port Sanilac, MI, 48469
The Sanilac County Historical Museum will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from March 27–May 8, 2027. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Sanilac County Historical Museum’s website for museum hours and more information.

Museum on Main Street "Americans" Exhibit: Hamtramck
2027-05-15 - 2027-06-26 | Hamtramck Historical Museum, 9525 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI, 48212
The Hamtramck Historical Museum will host the new Museum on Main Street exhibit, Americans, from May 15–June 26, 2027. Americans explores how deeply intertwined Native Americans are in the culture of the United States. The exhibition highlights the ways in which Native Americans have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and offers a new way of understanding a few familiar events:

Thanksgiving was a modern invention.
Pocahontas was a key figure in the country’s founding.
The Trail of Tears was a vast national project that reshaped the entire country.
Little Bighorn was the moment when, after killing 200 American soldiers, Native Americans became the country’s unofficial mascots.

Americans will bring diverse humanities programming to local communities across Michigan, inviting visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture, and identity.
Please check the Hamtramck Historical Museum’s website for museum hours and more information.
