2025 Events & Lecture Series
2025 Events & Lecture Series
Monday, January 13th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* History of Church of the Straits
Dive into the story of this iconic landmark. Nestled in the heart of Mackinaw City, the church has been a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for decades, with its striking architecture and vibrant congregation making it a beloved local institution.
This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, February 10th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* History of the Michigan Room
Immerse yourself in the history of the Michigan Room at the Mackinaw Area Public Library in MAHS’s latest lecture series event.
This event is free and open to the public.
Sunday, March 9th
5:30-7:30pm
Audie’s Banquet Room
Cabin Fever Dinner
Join us for the 21st Annual Cabin Fever dinner. Sizzle into spring with a stack of fun, history and community. This egg-citing event will be jam-packed with great food and even better company.
Monday, April 14th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* Water, Trees, & Stone: A Mill Creek Story
An unassuming stream, Mill Creek flows through the heart of Michigan’s North Woods into the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. Join Kyle Bagnall, park naturalist at Mackinac State Historic Parks, for a closer look at this oft-forgotten site along the Lake Huron shore. Through water, trees, and stones, we’ll peel through rich layers of cultural and natural history at old Private Claim #334. Looking beyond the half-century of sawmilling at the site, you’ll learn more about the Mill Creek millstones, the Durrell Limestone quarry, and decades of hunting & fishing activity. Also hear the latest about recent renovations and future upgrades for park visitors to enjoy.
Monday, May 12th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* A Visual History of South Huron
Join Roy Cole as he takes us through a visual journey of this central hub of Mackinaw City life. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, June 9th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* Explore Mill Creek Campground
Presented by the Rogalia Family, join us to learn the history of this family favorite camp site. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, July 14th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* The History of the Medicine Wheel
Presented by Gennie Morgan, join us to learn the history behind medicine wheels and how the one in Heritage Village came to be. This event is free and open to the public.
May
Tues, Thurs & Sat 10-12 or 2-4
Heritage Village & May Woods
Volunteer Days
Throughout the month of May, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays are open volunteer days as we get ready for the season. Come out, enjoy the weather, and help the community with various projects in Heritage Village and May Woods. No experience is needed.
Saturday, June 28th
10am - 4pm
Heritage Village
Historic Tractor Experience
Join us in Heritage Village for a Historic Tractor Experience. Get up close and personal with the tractors, take photos (and get your photo taken sitting on one), learn from the owners, and enjoy live music.
1 - 4pm
Heritage Village
Saturday, June 21st
Vintage Base Ball Game
Mackinaw City BBC vs Monitor BBC of Chelsea- Join us for a free vintage base ball game. Come watch a vintage base ball game as Mackinaw City takes on Chelsea. Bring a lawn chair and your enthusiasm.
6-8pm
Heritage Village
Friday, July 25th
Annual Pet Parade and Community Cookout
Join MAHS for our annual Pet Parade and Community Cookout—bring your furry (or feathered!) friend dressed to impress! Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed pets, so don’t miss the fun, food, and festivities!
Saturday, July 26th
10am-3pm
Heritage Village
Annual Historic Village Festival
Step back in time at the MAHS Annual Historic Festival, featuring food, crafts, a kids game center, and live demonstrations—including a working sawmill and Anishinaabe Ribbon Cutting from 10–1. Explore our historic buildings with knowledgeable docents, then cheer on the Vintage Base Ball Game from 1–3.
Monday, August 11th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* Heirs of the Stimpson Family
Join us for the next installment of our lecture series featuring Dennis Mikus and Tom Barrett as they share stories and insights about historic farm life. It’s a unique opportunity to learn how daily life on the farm shaped our region’s heritage. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, September 8th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* History of the Tee Pee Campground
Don’t miss our upcoming lecture series hosted by the Cooley family, where you’ll hear the fascinating history behind the iconic Tee Pee Campground. Come learn how this beloved local landmark became a part of our community’s story. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, October 13th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* History of the Ice Breaker and MAHS Annual Meeting
You won’t want to miss this one! Our annual meeting this year will be joined by a lecture on the history of the Ice Breaker. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, November 10th
7pm
Mackinaw Area Public Library
*LECTURE SERIES* There’s No Place like the Rainbow Hotel
Join us for a special lecture with Laura Janeczek as she explores the rich and colorful history of the Rainbow Hotel. Discover the stories and significance behind one of the area's most memorable landmarks.This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, December 6th
2pm
Heritage Village Chapel
Christmas at the Village
This family favorite is back to kick-off the holiday season. Featuring a historic mass in the chapel . This event is free and open to the public.
2025 Lecture Series
Missed An Event ?
All the Mackinaw Area History, all whenever is convenient for you. Our YouTube Channel allows you to time travel back and attend events you missed. Happy viewing!
Attend Virtually
Interested in attending the lecture series but can’t get there in person? No, problem. We might be a historical society but we’ve embraced the digital age. Join us on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 319 998 8836
Passcode: history (lower case)