Readings, activities, lesson plans, music, games and ideas that relate to Straits of Mackinac history, as well as Michigan history. Use as a lesson on its own, as a pre/post visit lesson before you come to Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse or Mackinac Island State Park or in combination with any other materials.

Lesson Plans

Story of the Straits and Historic Timeline (PDF)
Background of the Mackinac Area.

Michilimackinac and the Fur Trade (PDF)
The Adventures of Jacques and Pierre – a story about voyageurs and their journey to Michilimackinac.

Historic Mill Creek and Water Powered Sawmill (PDF)
From Muscle to Machine – how a sawmill became Michigan’s first industrial complex.

Fort Mackinac and Military Life (PDF)
A Day with Company K – goes through an ordinary day of a soldier stationed at Fort Mackinac.

American Indians (PDF)
Learn about American Indian shelters and communities.

Archaeology (PDF)
Archaeology’s long and rich presence in the Straits of Mackinac region.

18th and 19th Century Games (PDF)
A series of educational games.

Music at Mackinac (PDF)
A collection of songs from the Mackinac region.

Rendezvous at Michilimackinac (PDF)
A play set in Mackinac’s early fur trading era.

Tales of Mackinac (PDF)
A pair of folklore tales from Mackinac.

Travels to Mackinac (PDF)
A collection of primary sources highlighting the business of Mackinac’s fur trade.

What Did They Eat? (PDF)
An overview of the diets of the American Indians, traders and soldiers of Mackinac.

Answer Sheet (PDF)
Answers to all activities above.  Updated soon…

Educational Resources

A Castle at the Straits – Teacher’s Guide (PDF)
A Castle at the Straits tells the story of the Marshall family that worked and lived at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.  Update to GLCEs soon!

A Place Called Home – Teacher’s Guide (PDF)
A Place Called Home tells the story of the Campbell family that worked and lived at Mill Creek.

Home to Mackinac – Teacher’s Guide (PDF)
Home to Mackinac tells the story of Jack and his journey to Mackinac Island and Fort Mackinac in the 1880s.

Vocabulary List (PDF)
A list of vocabulary words used in the readings above.

Mackinac State Historic Parks collects objects to preserve and interpret the history of the Straits of Mackinac and Upper Great Lakes. The collections of Mackinac State Historic Parks fall into two broad categories: archaeological objects and historical objects. The first group consists of the objects excavated by MSHP at our historic sites. The historical material consists of original items donated to or purchased for the collection. It includes three-dimensional objects, archival material and photographs.

Major themes guiding our collecting activity include the military activity of the French, British and Americans, the fur trade, missionary activity, Victorian tourism and Great Lakes transportation. The objects collected include furnishings, textiles, art work, decorative art objects, tools and equipment, personal items, archival material and photographs.

Many of the items in the collection are exhibited at our sites, either in formal exhibits or as part of recreated period settings. Objects are also collected for research purposes. Information on using the collection for research can be found below.

Collecting activity of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission began in 1914 when a portion of the Fort Mackinac Officers’ Stone Quarters was set aside as a museum. Artifacts were exhibited here documenting early Mackinac and the Old Northwest. After World War I, the exhibits included objects documenting Michigan’s military history. Although collecting was sporadic, a cataloging program was introduced in 1937. Systematic collections management began after 1958. Professional museum staff introduced standard collections management procedures. The bulk of the historical collection has been gathered since that time and today includes nearly 20,000 objects.

Collections Management

Mackinac State Historic Parks’ collecting activity is governed by a formal Collections Policy, following standard museum practices. Each acquisition is reviewed by a staff Collections Committee. Final approval is made by the Park Commission. Decisions are based on a scope of collections within the collections policy. We seek to provide the highest level of care possible for our collection items. Light and humidity levels in exhibit locations are monitored and controlled as much as possible. Highly sensitive and noteworthy objects are exhibited in climate-controlled galleries or specially designed cases. Items not on exhibit are stored at the fully-climate controlled and secure Heritage Center on Mackinac Island or the Petersen Center in Mackinaw City.

Collections Donations

We are always searching for relevant Mackinac objects and photographs to add to the collection. If you have something you are interested in donating, please contact Brian Jaeschke. We also maintain The Patricia and Martin Jahn Collections Development Fund to support acquisition and conservation.

Researching Mackinac History

Mackinac State Historic Parks is pleased to make its historical resources available to researchers. All access is coordinated through Registrar Brian Jaeschke at 231-436-4100 jaeschkeb@michigan.gov.

Historical Research

Keith Widder Library at the Petersen Center, Mackinaw City. Mackinac State Historic Parks maintains a library of books, research files, photos, maps and microfilm on Mackinac history. The materials are accessible at the Widder Library in Mackinaw City. The library is open to researchers by appointment, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. It is a non-circulating research library, not a general collection. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance. Use of the library is free of charge.

Due to limited staffing levels, we are unable to conduct extensive general research requests. We will be happy to do quick reference checks to determine if we have a resource to help you and whether it would be beneficial to schedule a research visit.

Research requests must include the specific topic or topics being investigated to allow staff to prepare any necessary materials. All researchers must complete a research form. Researchers will be provided with access to the book card catalog, microfilm collections and photo files. Photocopying of printed materials is available at twenty cents per copy. Photo Collections Researchers can access a wealth of Mackinac images through our library photo files. This collection, arranged by topic, includes copies of MSHP collection images as well as copies of images from other depositories and private collections. In addition to a library visit, photo research requests are also available by contacting our office. Photo files and a search of the glass plate negative and historic print collections will be checked by staff. The researcher will then be notified if a particular image or subject is available. Photo copying services are available. Use of images in publications, exhibits or other media is governed by a use policy.

Image Reproduction Policy
Photo Fee Schedule
Image Fee Schedule

Genealogical Research

The Petersen Center library does house a limited amount of resources that may be helpful to individuals researching their ancestors who lived at Mackinac. These include:

* Microfilm copies of the Ste. Anne’s Parish register (1695-1821)

* Microfilm copies of U. S. Army Muster Roles for Fort Mackinac from the National Archives (1796-1895)

* Microfilm copies of City of Mackinac Island Records, including borough, township, village and city records (1817-1939), assessment rolls (1889-1920), Tax Rolls (1900-1939), Ordinance and License Information (1875-1899)

* Microfilm copies of Mackinac County Tax Records (1884-1888)

* Biography Files: This is not a comprehensive collection, but includes information on Mackinac individuals and families for whom we or someone else has completed research.

We do not have vital records data (birth, marriage, divorce, death). Individuals must consult the relevant county, state or federal agency. These include the Mackinac County Clerk’s Office in St. Ignace, The Library of Michigan, The Michigan State Archives, The Michigan Department of Community Health and the U.S. National Archives. Many local libraries also offer genealogical resources, including access to federal census records.

We strongly recommend all beginning genealogists consult The Library of Michigan website which provides a wealth of information including tips on starting your research and online resources. It also provides links and information on what information is available at the State Archives and the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Researchers interested in data on an ancestor who served at Fort Mackinac are welcome to review our copies of muster roles by setting up a visit to the Petersen Center Library. We do not have records of service, however. Such information can be obtained from the National Archives in Washington.

Researchers interested in baptism, marriage or burial records for Ste. Anne’s parish after 1821 must contact the parish directly.

Genealogy Links

Library of Michigan Genealogy Page

Mackinac County Clerk’s Office Information (Library of Michigan Web Site)

National Archives and Records Administration, Access to Military Service and Pension Records

Archaeological and Historical Collections Research Petersen Center, Mackinaw City, Heritage Center, Mackinac Island

We are happy to assist individuals and institutions interested in studying museum objects. Access to the museum collection, including both archaeological and historical objects, is provided to qualified researchers by appointment, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Access is provided free of charge, unless special handling or setup is required. Some items may not be available due to loans, security or seasonal access. Appointments must be made at least two weeks in advance. The research request should include the specific object or object type being researched. For security reasons, general access to the museum collections is not allowed.

The link below is a website linking to all the institutions in the State of Michigan that have archives.

https://michiganarchives.weebly.com/ 

French Michilimackinac Research Project

In an effort to better understand the history of Colonial Michilimackinac and the region, the Colonial Michilimackinac French Translation Project began in 1991 to translate and study historic documents of the period.

Discover History

Your kids will certainly remember the cannon firing at Fort Mackinac.

The rich history of Mackinac, Michigan, and our country is presented throughout the historic sites and museums that make up Mackinac State Historic Parks. Kids will see what they learned in the classroom vividly brought to life, while the older members of your party will get a chance to feel like a kid again!

Experience the American Revolution from the British side. As you enter Colonial Michilimackinac, you’re stepping back in time to 1777, as the British prepared to end the American Revolution with a decisive blow. Across the park, move forward in time to 1910, as Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, was a shining beacon to ships on the Great Lakes. Learn how lighthouses work and find out how and why ships sank. In depth medical history is featured at the Dr. Beaumont Museum at Historic Downtown Mackinac, and explore the life of Agatha Biddle and the Anishnaabek people at the 1830s Biddle House on Market Street. Up at Fort Mackinac, the “Military Medicine” exhibit will show you why you should be happy to live in the era you do! Also, kids will be able to get up close with history at the Kids’ Quarters, an exhibit dedicated strictly to kids!

Live Demonstrations

Feel the sawmill come to life as water is harnessed to cut timber into lumber at Historic Mill Creek.

The sights and sounds of history fill up our sites, providing a lesson you do not even know you are having! At Fort Mackinac, get up-close and personal as the cannon is fired off over the harbor, then cover your ears on the Parade Ground as authentic 1880s rifles are fired. At the Biddle House chat with interpreters as they cook authentic 1830s recipes over a hearth fire. Hear the clang of the anvil fill up Market Street at the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop.

Over in Mackinaw City, step onto the shore of Lake Michigan at Colonial Michilimackinac and feel the tremble as the cannon or mortar are fired. Inside, learn how British soldiers fired their musket and watch the various civilians of the community – Native Americans, voyageurs, merchants, women, the working blacksmith – cook, do laundry, work with textiles, tend to the gardens, and more! At Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse the lighthouse keeper or keeper’s wife will take you up the tower on a guided tour, or show you how the Fog Signal Whistle worked. Experience the pit saw method of cutting lumber (and possibly be chosen to work!) then venture over to the water-powered sawmill at Historic Mill Creek to feel the power of water harnessed to cut timber into lumber.

Fun for the Kids

Our historic sites provide a fun, educational experience in a variety of ways for all of the members of your family. Fort Mackinac features the Kids’ Quarters, an interactive play space that allows you to see, hear and even smell history. Other fun exhibits can be found in the Post Hospital, Office, Guardhouse, North Blockhouse, and in the upstairs of the Soldier’s Barracks. Additionally, soldiers and Victorian Women are located throughout the fort.

Colonial Michilimackinac has exciting exhibits can be found in the Soldier’s Barracks, Commanding Office’s House, the Treasures from the Sand exhibit, the France at Mackinac exhibit, and in the Powder Magazine. Additionally, all members of your family will enjoy the walk around the palisade walls.

The groomed and guided trails at Historic Mill Creek will exercise your bodies and mind while taking a leisurely trip through the forest. The Sounds of the Forest exhibit on the nature trail lets you hear nature in a new way, and the Forest Friends Play Area allow our smallest visitors a chance to experience nature in their own way.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has a new exhibit dedicated to the science and technology of lighthouses, where you can see and feel how light and sound work! You can also build your own lighthouse and see how a kid in 1910 lived!

Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history museums and nature parks in northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac and is an agency within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Its sites—which are accredited by the American Association of Museums—include Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, the American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum,  and McGulpin House on Mackinac Island, and Michilimackinac State Park, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City. Combined attendance is 1.2 million people each year. The living history sites are open daily from early May to early October. The natural history sites are open year round.

Mission Statement

At Mackinac State Historic Parks, we protect, preserve and present Mackinac’s rich historical and natural resources to provide outstanding educational and recreational experiences for the public.

Organizational History

National Park Beginnings
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was created in 1895 to supervise Mackinac Island State Park, Michigan’s first state park, which had been transferred to the state by the United States government. For 20 years prior to this, the federal government administered these lands as Mackinac National Park, the nation’s second such park after Yellowstone. Today, the park includes the 14 original buildings of Fort Mackinac, which were built by the British military starting in 1780, as well as several other historic structures and about 1,800 acres of land. More than 800,000 visitors come to the island each year.

Revenue Bond Program
In 1958, the Commission embarked on an ambitious plan to sell revenue bonds to finance the preservation and development of its historic sites. The program was modeled after financing used for the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. It has allowed for successful restoration and historical programs at Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Historic Downtown, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek. The bonds are now retired, and museum operating costs are primarily paid from admission revenues and the proceeds of publication and museum store sales. The revenue bond program has created one of the most visited history museum complexes in the nation, with nearly 400,000 visitors each season.

Park Acquisitions
Mackinac Island State Park was created in 1895. In 1904, the site of Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City was added to the Commission’s jurisdiction. From 1715, when it was established by the French, to 1780-81 when it was dismantled by the British and moved to Mackinac Island, Michilimackinac had been a thriving fur-trade community. When deeded to the Commission, the 27-acre site was a popular trailer park and camp site.

Historic Mill Creek joined the park system in 1975. This 625-acre nature park with a reconstructed water-powered sawmill is located on the shore of Lake Huron 3.5 miles southeast of Mackinaw City. In 1972, archaeologists discovered that a sawmill on this site was used to produce lumber and grain.  In 2008 it was renamed Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, but will revert back to its original name, Historic Mill Creek, in 2024.

Natural History
In addition to preserving and interpreting Mackinac’s cultural heritage, the park system focuses on natural history. Summer-season naturalists at Historic Mill Creek lead nature talks and tours to educate visitors about Mackinac’s water, woods, and wildlife. Natural history interpretive signs are located throughout Historic Mill Creek and at Mackinac Island State Park, and park system publications support this message.

Restoration at Fort Mackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Since 1958, Fort Mackinac has been the subject of extensive research by professional historians, archaeologists, and architects. Michigan’s oldest buildings have been restored, preserved, and are brought to life through dynamic exhibits and lively interpretive programs depicting American soldier and family life from the 1880s, the height of Mackinac’s resort era. Nearly 200,000 guests visit Fort Mackinac each year.

From June through August, costumed interpreters at five of the parks’ historic downtown buildings tell stories of island life. Topics covered include the fur trade (American Fur Company Store and Biddle House), architecture (McGulpin House), medicine (Dr. Beaumont Museum), religion (Mission Church), and blacksmithing (Benjamin Blacksmith Shop). Additionally, staff present period cooking and craft demonstrations at the Biddle House.

After a period in which it served as the focal point of a maritime park, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse re-opened to the public with a restored interior, new interactive exhibits, and period settings in 2004. A fog signal building (now an admission area and gift shop) and barn also occupy the site: the barn and surrounding landscaping will be the focus of continued restoration in the future.

Reconstruction at Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek
In 1959, archaeological excavation at the site of Michilimackinac revealed the remains of a village and palisades, which had been the center of the upper Great Lakes fur trade. In 1960, the park staff began to systematically reconstruct the village according to archaeological and historical research and, each summer since, a team of archaeologists has continued this work. Colonial Michilimackinac hosts nearly 100,000 visitors each year.

Interpretation at the fort and village focuses on the British 1770s military and fur-trading era. Reconstruction of Historic Mill Creek’s water-powered sawmill and the development of its nature trails began in 1977 with a planning grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and it opened in 1984. Every summer, nearly 50,000 visitors meet interpreters dressed as 1820s sawyers and millwrights who run the mill and use its lumber for such projects as reconstructing the Millwright’s House.

Professional Programs
To fulfill its mission, Mackinac State Historic Parks operate programs of archaeological and historical research, environmental and historic preservation, museum collections, publicationsm and interpretation. The parks employ a diverse group of museum and operations staff responsible for the care of 2,700 acres of land, National Historic Landmark buildings, more than 1 million archaeological and historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and museum exhibitions. The Mackinac Heritage Center on Mackinac Island was built for the care of historical collections; archaeological collections are conserved and stored in the Keith Widder Library in the Eugene and Marian Petersen Archaeology and History Center in Mackinaw City. The Petersen Center is also home to the parks’ research library.

Continuing Education
Mackinac State Historic Parks currently takes two programs into classrooms around the state: “Historic Mackinac on Tour” allows students to explore the complex cultural relationships that powered 18th century Michigan. “Winter in Michigan’s North Woods: Amazing Animal Adaptations” is an interactive presentation that explores what plants and animals need to survive, the climate of our region, and why the seasons change. In addition, these programs and four others are available in a virtual format. On average, costumed interpreters visit about 10,000 students in 65 schools throughout Michigan each year to teach them about Mackinac history. Mackinac Associates, the parks’ friends and fundraising organization, is an active sponsor of this program. Education packets, videos, slideshows, artifact boxes, and curriculum materials are available to teachers; school site visits to the parks are encouraged as well.

Mackinac State Historic Parks video