Past events

Past Special Exhibits

John Lautner: A Life in Architecture (2011)
Examined the life of Marquette native John Lautner (1911-1994) who is considered one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. After receiving a degree from NMU, he studied with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin. He settled in Los Angeles and for over 50 years designed innovative buildings that demonstrated a true sensitivity to location and space and the needs of his clients.

Anatomy of a Yooper (2007-2009)
Explored the cultural identity of Upper Michigan

Person to Person: A History of Communication (2006-2007)
Explored the many obvious and subtle ways people communicate with one another

Into the Woods (2005-2006)
Examined the role of forests and trees in our natural and social history.

What’s the Occasion: Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations (2004-2005)
Highlighted family and community events such as Heikki Lunta, V-day observations and company picnics.

The Way We Wore: Costume & Clothing from 1840-1970 (2003-2004)
Clothing trends illustrated by local individuals’ clothing and accessories.

Chew on This: The Fascinating History of Food (2002-2003)
From production to preparation and presentation—all aspects of food and beverages in Marquette County.

Lake Effect: Superior’s Influence (2001-2002)
The physical and cultural history of the lake, including the artistic expressions the lake has inspired.

Signs of the Times: Advertising and Marketing in America (2000-2001)
Depicted how market has gone from simple signs and commercials to an all-emcompassing entity that surrounds us from morning until night.

On Iron Bay: The Marquette Story (1999-2000)
In celebration of the county’s sesquicentennial, the exhibit traced the county’s history and culminated in a 73 minute video, still available in the Museum Store.

Anishnaabe Bimaadiziwin: A Way of Life (1998-1999)
A close look at Anishnaabe (or Ojibwe) life here in the Upper Peninsula from the past to the present.

Anatomy of a Crime (1997-1998)
Traced the evolution of crime and the development of law enforcement in the Central Upper Peninsula from 1850 to 1960.

Ven Mummu and Faari Kommet U.P.: Finnish Immigrants (1996-1997)
The story of Finnish immigration, including the homestead, education, religion, music, social customs, communities, politics, and Finnish “know-how.”

Mad About Maps (1995-1996)
Many examples of unique, colorful and hand-drawn maps enabled the visitor to travel back to the past, record this moment and predict the future. Maps not only reaffirm what we know, but free us from our limits.

Highlights:

John Lautner: A Life in Architecture

John Lautner, a Marquette native, on a rock outcropping near his beloved summer home, Midgaard.

Part of the Lautner exhibit at the History Center. Special thanks to his daughter, Carol Lautner Peterson, for her assistance with the exhibit.

Into the Woods Exhibit

The Living Tree was created to teach children about the importance of trees in the ecosystem.