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Muster your students and march them up the hill. Enlist them into the army of the 1880s. Drill and march them on the parade ground, walk the sentry beat, find out how kids’ lives have changed in 100 years and learn about Mackinac history through Military Muster at Fort Mackinac!
Applications for the 2025 season are now being accepted. See below for more details.
Goal
To provide a unique, hands-on evening educational experience for students to learn about Fort Mackinac soldier life of the 1880s and aspects of Michigan history in a historic setting. Use of the site in this program and setting is an extension of the classroom and topics covered during the school year. This experience meets the standards of the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs).
Grade Level
The programs are limited to grades three through eight (ideally Michigan History students).
Program Length and Availability
Evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Programs are available from May 5 – June 5, 2025.
Group Size
Up to 60 students.
Four teachers/chaperones are required for the program (eight adults maximum).
Up to four additional paid chaperones may attend to observe, videotape or photograph the program. Chaperones can consist of a mixed group of teachers and parents, but teachers need to be a part of the group.
Fees
$15.00 per student/adult, $300 minimum
Transportation is not included in the cost.
A deposit of $250 is required with application for program. Full payment is due two weeks prior to scheduled program. Date of program is not guaranteed until complete application is approved. Please make checks out to Mackinac State Historic Parks.
Program Fees include:
• All pre-visit materials including teacher’s packet.
• On-site program including exclusive use of Fort Mackinac for your group with historic interpreters.
• All necessary materials including a “Kepi” – an 1880’s style soldier hat students get to keep.
Transportation
Each group is responsible for its own transportation to and from Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island. Ferry boat service is provided from two companies – visit mackinacisland.org for more information.
Visit Responsibilities
Each teacher/chaperone will be assigned duties ahead of the stay by Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) to help with the activities during the evening experience. A pre-visit information packet will be sent to the participating school. It is important for teachers/chaperones to take an active role in the evening events. Schedules will be sent to the contact teacher in advance of the program. Teachers/Chaperones are required to attend to discipline problems, illness and minor injuries.
The contact teacher will receive a packet of information including pre- and post- visit materials, schedules of events and schedules of teacher’s/chaperone’s duties, background information, video about Fort Mackinac and a map of where events will take place. It is the contact teacher’s responsibility to distribute this information, prepare the students and teachers/chaperones for the evening and contact MSHP with any questions, comments and concerns.
Medical Information and Parental Release Agreement
In case of emergencies or health concerns, the participating school will have parents sign release forms to inform parents on types of activities students are involved in and acquire medical information and permission for emergency medical treatment about each participating student. The school is responsible for any medication or medicines that are handed out to the students. MSHP does not assume any responsibility for any emergency situation pertaining to the participating group. A MSHP staff member will be on site to help with emergency situations and provide first aid kits to chaperones.
Application Process
Complete applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. An application is considered complete only with deposit. Applications are now being accepted!
The 2025 Military Muster application can be found by clicking this link.
Contact:
Craig Wilson, Box 873, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231.436.4100 or email wilsonc20@michigan.gov
