Canoes Posted April 6, 2018 Today, thousands of people travel to the Straits of Mackinac every summer, most of them by car. Similar numbers of people came to this area in the 18th century, but traveled in a very different vehicle, a birch bark canoe. (more…)
Jaw Harps Posted March 31, 2018 Jaw harps excavated at Michilimackinac Some of the more interesting artifacts excavated semi-regularly by archaeologists at Michilimackinac are jaw harps. These small musical instruments, also known as a mouth harp or Jew’s harp (although they have no particular relation to Jewish people or Judaism), were common trade items at Michilimackinac in the 18th century. (more…)
Archaeology Update: Winter Finds Posted March 23, 2018 Artifacts drying on trays in lab Although excavation ended at Michilimackinac in August, archaeological research continues year-‘round. All of the artifacts recovered during the field season must be washed, labeled with a number identifying the context from which they came, identified, counted or weighed, and stored in the Petersen Center. All of the catalog information is entered into the ARGUS collections database. These steps all take time. Washing and labeling, which begins on rainy days in the summer, was completed in October. Cataloging and data entry were completed in February, and storage in March. (more…)
Behind the Scenes at MSHP Posted February 23, 2018 Serving as the winter archives intern with Mackinac State Historic Parks has kept Jessica Marks busy, from inventorying the library to labeling archival boxes, to … gilding candlesticks? (more…)
Colonial Michilimackinac Update Posted February 1, 2018 We’ve been busy this winter! Museum Historian Craig Wilson walks us through the new and exciting developments at Colonial Michilimackinac: Colonial Michilimackinac opens for the 2018 season on May 2. For more information on the site, or to purchase tickets, visit mackinacparks.com/admission.
It Could Be Another Good Winter To See Snowy Owls Posted December 7, 2017 Snowy Owls have recently been observed on Mackinac Island, in St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Cheboygan and on the Mackinac Bridge. It is still the first week of December but these beautiful arctic visitors are appearing throughout the Midwest in relatively large numbers. If they continue to arrive at this rate, we may be able to enjoy watching them in the Straits area all winter long. (more…)
Ste. Anne de Michilimackinac Posted October 27, 2017 A recent wedding at the church. After the question is popped, the real fun begins- planning the wedding. One of the most exciting and challenging tasks is finding the perfect location for the memorable day. Outdoor or indoor venue? Intimate or spacious? In a busy city or tucked away on a quiet beach? The options are endless. Mackinac State Historic Parks offers ten historic wedding venues on Mackinac Island and in Mackinaw City. One of our truly unique historic wedding venues is the Ste. Anne de Michilimackinac church. Located in Colonial Michilimakinac, this reconstruction was built on the original location of the 18th-century church. (more…)
Outside the Walls: The “Subarbs” of Michilimackinac Posted October 20, 2017 In the 18th century, the summer population of Michilimackinac could swell into the thousands as voyageurs, clerks, merchants, and other French-Canadian, British, and Native American participants in the fur trade descended on the post for the annual trading season. Given the relatively small size of the town inside the fort’s walls, where did all of these people live? By the 1760s, a growing collection of homes sprang up east of the fort, creating the suburbs of Michilimackinac. (more…)
Archaeology Update Posted October 13, 2017 Pewter Button The second half of the field season was even richer in artifacts than the beginning. Gunflints and buttons continued to be found throughout the excavation. (more…)
Fort Fright Posted October 5, 2017 The autumn air is crisp and cool as you pass down the trail of lantern lights, the skeleton soldiers are waiting to welcome you to Colonial Michilimackinac. It’s time for Fort Fright. A Werewolf watches as unsuspecting visitors enter Fort Fright. This haven for lutins, werewolves and other bad-tempered creatures, the fort provides a fun, fall atmosphere for the entire family with it’s fair-share of scary experiences and historical background. (more…)