Special Exhibits 2019
Archeology on Ice
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October 7 - December 28, 2019
The exhibit describes the emerging discipline of Glacial Archeology and the unique archeological discoveries found in ice patches in Alaska. The exhibit is the result of decade-long field research and highlights climate change as well as the research, discoveries and tribal participation in the project. Artifacts as well as videos will be displayed. This is a traveling exhibit from the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico. In addition there will be a display of archeology in Marquette County. Our region is drawing interest from outside scholars lately. One recently discovered site has been identified as one of the earliest known fur trade sites in the Great Lakes, dating to the early or mid 17th century. Learn more about the site, artifacts, and how we can learn to honor these places. Opening reception: October 16, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Lecture by key researcher for Archeology on Ice, Dr. James Dixon. Free, donations appreciated. Dr. Dixon will also speak about his work and the exhibit on December 12, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Science on Tap, Ore Dock Brewing Co., 114 W. Spring Street, downtown Marquette. |
Changing Hands: A Heritage Crafts Exhibit
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April 29 - September 26, 2019
Along with a series of craft workshops throughout the year, this exhibit will showcase a variety of traditional crafts. Topics will include: hair art, Norwegian fiber arts, beading, miniatures, wood burning, bookbinding, paper cutting, Potawatomi carved wooden spoons, Finnish bird carving, Ojibway quill art, and seed saving. Learn more about the crafts of our immigrant, Vicortian and Native American ancestors. It will include exquisite examples from the History Center's permanent collection, the workshop instructors and the community. Opening reception: May 1, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Dan Truckey will speak about the folk traditions brought to our region by various ethnic groups. Research Librarian, Beth Gruber will present on genealogy sources available in our library. Light refreshments will be served. Free, donations appreciated. |
Women's Work is Never Done
Special Exhibits 2018
Centennials
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January 15 - May 12
The Marquette Regional History Center celebrates our organization's 100th year in 2018. This exhibit explores our museum's history and what was going on in our county and nation in 1918. It celebrates the many businesses, people and organizations that are 100 or more years old. From centennial farms, cherished family camps, banks, service organizations and more! Learn about the first Lions group to form in Michigan in 1919. Opening Reception: January 24, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, light refreshments will be served. Free, donations appreciated. |
100 Artifacts
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May 26 - September 1
As part of the History Center's 100th Anniversary, explore 100 artifacts from our permanent collection--from an historic birch bark canoe model to a vintage hat or two, to a beautiful music box. We collect the whimsical, mundane, archaic and awe inspiring. Learn more about the permanent collection and some of the amazing donations we have received over the years. Opening Reception: May 30, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, light refreshments will be served. Free, donations appreciated. |
The Changing Face of Medicine: A History of U.P. Healthcare
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September 15 - December 31
See the evolution in the region's medicine from the time of patent medicines, home visits and the growing understanding of germs, to the St. Luke's School of Nursing and beyond. Hear first-hand accounts from the people who have cared for this community's health. Learn about the battles against epidemics, tuberculosis, polio and an early case of kidney disease in which the community rallied to provide the financial support for the necessary yet expensive dialysis. Opening Reception: September 19, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, light refreshments will be served. Free, donations appreciated. |
Special Exhibits 2017
World War I Remembered: How Marquette County Served
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January 14 - June 10
The most important event of the 20th century, the Great War continues to shape our world one hundred years after the US entry. Learn of the events leading up to the war, as well as the legacy left in its wake. Explore the impact of the 32nd Division, whom the French named Les Terribles. Read firsthand accounts of local soldiers and sailors, and discover the role of the local Red Cross and life on the home front during the war. As part of the community wide remembrance, see posters, and Facebook for other exhibits and events. |
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Kissing the Water: The Lure and the Lore of Fly Fishing
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June 24 - September 16
There is magic involved in fly fishing. See how this sport captures art, philosophy, literature and environmental concerns. From handmade rods and flies, to the work of John Voelker, fly fishing has a rich history in this region. There will be numerous special events relating to this exhibition. |
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Great Girls in Michigan History
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September 20 - October 18
Celebrating nine girls from across Michigan including a wrestler, an activist and a soldier who did great things before they turned twenty. Upper Peninsula girls Nancy Harkness Love, Copper Country aviator during World War II, and Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, Ojibwe creative writer and translator, are featured. This traveling exhibit was created by the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Zonta Club of Marquette. |
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Logging Marks
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November 1 - December 30
Logging was a large and powerful industry that shaped the landscape of our backyards and forests. Michigan law required logs to be marked on both ends to reduce the theft of timber. Rod Smith, education coordinator with the Michigan DNR, collected many of these log marks. Study these logs from around the Upper Peninsula and learn about the logging companies they represent. Sponsored in part by the Rod Smith Family. |
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Special Exhibits 2016
Toys in YooperlandJanuary 16 - April 16
See the wonderful toy collection from the History Center - from colorful tin toys, quirky mechanical toys to beloved dolls and stuffed animals. Explore toys and games from the Victorian Era to the late 20th century and see how they have changed or remained the same. |
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The Folk Art Tradition of Upper Michigan
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May 2 - September 3
Folk artists have a long history in Upper Michigan. Many works stem from ethnic traditions, while other pieces were created to celebrate the lifestyle of the rural north woods. This exhibit highlights pieces from other museums, artists, and from our own permanent collection. |
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Marquette County Collects
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September 17 - December 29
Private collectors around the region acquire strange and wonderful items from autographs to vintage flashlights. These fascinating works give us insight into our culture. Come see some of the highlights. |
A small part of a telephone collection displayed in our 2014 Ma Bell exhibit.
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Special Exhibits 2015
Let's Tie the Knot
January 19 - April 25
Discover the origins of our wedding traditions and view beautiful and unique gowns and their stories from the Center's extensive collection. Many of our traditions date back only 100-150 years. Glimpse local brides in period gowns and some unique dresses made from unusual materials such as a gown made from a WWII parachute. Open during regular museum hours. Included with general admission.
Discover the origins of our wedding traditions and view beautiful and unique gowns and their stories from the Center's extensive collection. Many of our traditions date back only 100-150 years. Glimpse local brides in period gowns and some unique dresses made from unusual materials such as a gown made from a WWII parachute. Open during regular museum hours. Included with general admission.
Woodland: Suzan Pitt
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May 4 - August 29
Suzan Pitt is an internationally acclaimed painter and filmmaker who has lived and painted here every summer for the past 16 years. These works are not landscape "pictures" but are the artist's interpretation of the inner being of the forest---not only as it "appears" --but as it breathes and moves and emanates its natural being. Suzan Pitt's work is known for its surreal and psychological visual explorations which emanate and express the underlayment of place. Pitt has created a 17' mural panorama of the primeval forest especially for this exhibition and will present this among watercolors and acrylic paintings of the plants and trees of the Upper Peninsula in Marquette County. Exhibit Reception May 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Meet the artist, gallery talk at 7:00 pm. Refreshments provided. Free to MRHC members; suggested $5 donation to non-members. Be sure to attend some of the Woodland Offshoots summer long programming in conjunction with this exhibit. Printable brochure below. |
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Henry Ford in the U.P.September 12 - January 2
Once the largest private landowner in the U.P., Ford wanted to control all aspects and resources involved in automobile manufacturing. His passion drove him to buy extensive timber lands and to operate mines and lumber mills from Kingsford to Big Bay. View artifacts and photographs gathered from museums and private collections from around the state for a rare look at Ford's impact north of the bridge. Gallery Talk with Ford Corporate Historian Bob Kreipke September 23, 6:30 pm As Ford Corporate Historian and Creative Manager, Bob Kreipke has produced many award winning films and authored three books on Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Free to members, $5 suggested donation for the general public. |
Photo credit: Ford with Boot, courtesy of Bill Vicary
Henry Ford, ca 1923, on one of his camping trips. He camped with Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and naturalist John Burroughs in a group they nicknamed The Vagabonds. These grand excursions were made to the Upper Peninsula and other regions of the country. |
Special Exhibits 2014
Ma Bell
January 15 - April 12
Members only gallery talk: January 23 at 6:30pm
Since Alexander Graham Bell’s first words “Mr. Watson—come here—I want to see you,” telephone use has exploded into new dimensions. Explore how this telephone has influenced our lives for over 130 years. See a local switchboard, antique and unique phones.
Members only gallery talk: January 23 at 6:30pm
Since Alexander Graham Bell’s first words “Mr. Watson—come here—I want to see you,” telephone use has exploded into new dimensions. Explore how this telephone has influenced our lives for over 130 years. See a local switchboard, antique and unique phones.
Are We There Yet? - Celebrating Tourism and Recreation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
April 25 - August 30
Members only gallery talk: May 1 at 6:30pm
Wealthy Victorians have been lured to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seeking a healthy paradise. Visitors and residents have sought both the simple pleasures, like a campfire, as well as adventurous activities, like ski jumping. Re-live the places, past times and the kitsch souvenirs of the UP.
Members only gallery talk: May 1 at 6:30pm
Wealthy Victorians have been lured to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seeking a healthy paradise. Visitors and residents have sought both the simple pleasures, like a campfire, as well as adventurous activities, like ski jumping. Re-live the places, past times and the kitsch souvenirs of the UP.
Victorianism in Upper Michigan
September 15 - January 3
Members only gallery talk: September 25 at 6:30pm
See how the Queen’s long and powerful reign influenced social life in the UP in the mid to late 1800s. The growth of technology and the middle class changed the role of women in the home bringing new domestic arts and a development of women’s hand crafts. Sentimental and ornate homes and clothing were the style, as was a strong mourning culture.
See local hair wreaths made in honor of passing pets and family members.
Members only gallery talk: September 25 at 6:30pm
See how the Queen’s long and powerful reign influenced social life in the UP in the mid to late 1800s. The growth of technology and the middle class changed the role of women in the home bringing new domestic arts and a development of women’s hand crafts. Sentimental and ornate homes and clothing were the style, as was a strong mourning culture.
See local hair wreaths made in honor of passing pets and family members.