Fort Fright Posted March 27, 2020 Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Tickets will be available online in September. Last admission at 8:30 both nights.
Michilimackinac Secrets and Scandals: Histsory Revealed Posted March 27, 2020 This new themed weekend will present visitors with a variety of programs focusing on some of Michilimackinac’s lesser known history. Each program will examine an aspect of the Michilimackinac’ past that caused the original residents to gossip and share secrets with one another. All special programs and events included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. A Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Hidden Histories: The Grenadiers’ “Mutiny” of 1780 Posted March 27, 2020 As part of the Mackinac Parks: 125 festivities, we want to explore elements of Colonial Michilimackinac’s history and culture that are not currently well-represented in interpretive programming and exhibits. This walking tour/discussion will focus on the Grenadiers’ “mutiny” of 1780, and will be led by historian(s) from Mackinac State Historic Parks. This is a free event.
Gardens and Good Things to Eat Posted March 27, 2020 Everyone loves a good meal, including the historic residents of Michilimackinac! Join historic interpreters to tour and help maintain the fort’s gardens, assist with running the outdoor bread oven (and taste the results!), watch meals cooked over an open fire, and learn more about the unique food cultures of Michilimackinac’s French, British, and Native American residents. All special programs included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Open for the Day 9:30 a.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 10:00 a.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 11:00 a.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 12:00 p.m. – Indigenous Food and the Fur Trade Program 12:30 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 1:0o p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 2:00 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 3:00 p.m. – 18th Century Botany and Art 4:00 p.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 5:00 p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 6:00 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 7:00 p.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Closed for the Day
The Short Jacket Posted March 27, 2020 Our new short jacket. Much of the work that we do in the winter is to prepare for the upcoming summer season, when Mackinac State Historic Parks’ museums and historic sites are open to the public. This winter we have been busy building a number of new garments for our interpretive staff at Colonial Michilimackinac. This allows our interpreters to not only talk about the history of the Great Lakes, but also to demonstrate what it looked like and how people worked within it. The newest addition (completed just last week!) to our interpretive clothing collection comes to us from the last quarter of the 18th century. It is double-breasted wool jacket, with a short body and narrow sleeves. Genre paintings from the later 18th century show people wearing jackets of this type while selling things on the street, working on a ship, farming, or toiling at any number of other trades. This style of practical, yet fashionable garment was common amongst all sorts of working people. Laborers, seamen and many others would have found a jacket to be infinitely more practical when there was work to be done, and long tails or large cuffs would have impeded movement or simply been in the way. (more…)
Hidden Histories: Marriage and the British Army Posted March 26, 2020 As part of the Mackinac Parks: 125 festivities, we want to explore elements of Colonial Michilimackinac’s history and culture that are not currently well-represented in interpretive programming and exhibits. This walking tour/discussion will focus on marriage and the British army. and will be led by historian(s) from Mackinac State Historic Parks. This is a free event.
Michilimackinac at Work: Labor and Trades Posted March 26, 2020 Michilimackinac was a hardworking community in the 18th century. Voyageurs, blacksmiths, laundresses, clerks, and soldiers all plied their trades at the fort, employing both skilled and unskilled labor. Join the interpretive staff as they demonstrate a variety of tasks that made up the world of work at Michilimackinac in the 18th century. All special programs included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. A Mackinac Parks; 125 event!
Fire at Night at Michilimackinac Posted March 26, 2020 Experience Colonial Michilimackinac in an entirely new way and see the flash of the cannon under the stars! This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event!
The King’s Birth-day Celebration Posted March 26, 2020 An annual highlight for the British soldiers and civilians at Michilimackinac, King George III’s official birthday on June 4 was marked by toasts, dinners and salutes. Join the interpretive staff at Michilimackinac as they celebrate this most British of holidays with artillery fire, drinks and treats, and other special programs. Included with regular Colonial Michilimackinac admission. #thisismackinac SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Announced soon!
Residents Appreciation Day Posted March 26, 2020 For residents of Mackinac, Cheboygan, or Emmet counties, for one weekend, we discount the admission prices for all of our sites to what they were when we first began operating our modern museum programs for the public in 1958. (.50 cents adults, .25 cents children). Thank you for supporting Mackinac State Historic Parks! This special offer includes residents of Mackinac, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. Proof of residency is required (e.g. driver’s license).
