Events & Lecture Series
Looking for free family activities in Mackinaw City? Want to learn about local history? Look no further.
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS) is proud to offer a vibrant lineup of free events and lectures that bring history to life for families and visitors in Mackinaw City. From engaging guest speakers and local historians to hands-on programs and seasonal celebrations, MAHS events create welcoming spaces where curiosity is encouraged and learning is shared across generations.
2026 Schedule
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March Lecture Series | Writing About a Community with a Published Author
Mar 9 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Drawing on his own work in local history, Frank Boles will discuss how to go about writing a about a community. It will also include thoughts about doing research and organizing both your notes and what you write.
Speaker: Frank Boles
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April Lecture Series | History of the Mackinaw Area Women's Club
Apr 13 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Come learn from board member and guest lecturer Donna Falor as she shares with us the background and impact of the Mackinaw Area Women’s Club. This event is free and open to the public.
Speaker: Donna Falor
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May Lecture Series | The Annual Raptor Watch
May 11 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Join us for our popular lecture series- This lecture explores the fascinating topic—of the Raptor watch when the birds and watchers alike descend upon Mackinaw City. This event is free and open to the public.
Speaker: TBD
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Heritage Village | Historic Base Ball Game
June 6 1:00-3:00PM | Heritage Village
Take your family out to the ballgame at this free event at Heritage Village. Mackinaw City will be taking on Douglas Dutchers BBC.
Grab a snack, drink and chair…we’ll see you there!
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June Lecture Series | History of the Mackinaw Bible Church
June 8 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
In this session our host, Reid Nelson, explores the history of the Mackinaw Bible Church from it’s building, the congregation to the impact on the community. This event is free and open to the public.
Speaker: Reid Nelson
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Michigan Log Cabin Day
June 28 (timing TBD) | Heritage Village
Join us to celebrate Michigan Log Cabin Day at Heritage Village’s own Detweiler Log Cabin. Walk the cabin, learn about the history and let the kids play some cabin-themed games.
The rest of the village will be open to enjoy.
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July Lecture Series | A History of the Mackinaw Fudgies
July 13 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Mackinaw has long been a top US tourist spot bring generations of families to the area. Join Meghan Flynn, MAHS Board member, as she explores one families fudgie history.
Speaker: Meghan Flynn
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Annual Historic Festival at Heritage Village
July 25 10:00am-2:00PM
Step back in time to the years 1880–1917 at Heritage Village’s annual Historic Festival. This free, family‑friendly event sprawls across 43 acres of woodland trails and vintage buildings, where costumed docents reenact daily life on the North Woods frontier.
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Aug Lecture Series | Pictures, Artifacts and Stories...Oh My!
Aug 12 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Come learn from President MAHS and guest lecturer, Angie Morthland, as she shares pictures, artifacts and stories. This event is free and open to the public.
Speaker: Angie Morthland
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MAHS 30th Anniversary Celebration
Aug 22 6:00-8:00PM | Pavilion
Details coming soon!
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September Lecture Series | About Fort Michlimackinac
Sept 14 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Come learn about this iconic historical destination. Speaker, Brian Jaeschke, will share interesting facts and stories about this 18th century military installment located on the Straits.
Speaker: Brian Jaeschke
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May Woods Hike | Celebrate the Transition to Fall
Sept 20th (timing TBD) | May Woods
As the first day of fall approaches, join us for a community hike through May Woods. Every season nature unique beauty and sights to behold. Come to learn, hike, or just enjoy nature.
Hiking Lead: TBD
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Annual Meeting & History of the Deer Head Inn
Oct 12 6:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Visitors are welcome to join our annual MAHS meeting to learn about our plans for the upcoming year. Stay afterward for the September lecture series featuring the Deer Head Inn.
Speaker: Nancy Dean
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November Lecture Series | Mackinaw City American Legion Post 159
Nov 9 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Join us to learn about Mackinaw City’s American Legion Post 159. The American Legion Post 159 stands for “Veterans serving Veterans and their families.” Learn how they’ve supported the unique needs of the community here in Mackinaw City.
Speakers: Mike & Tom
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May Woods | Pre-National Hike Day Event
Nov 14 1:00-3:00PM | May Woods
Since not everyone can head off mid-day on a Tuesday afternoon, we’re celebrating early! Join us for a National Hike Day Celebration. Whether you often enjoy the trails or haven’t had the courage to head out on your own…all are welcome!
Hiking Lead: TBD
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Annual Christmas in the Village Event
Dec 5 2:00-4:00PM | Heritage Chapel
Step back in time and experience the warmth and wonder of a 19th-century Christmas. The Village will come alive with festive spirit — crackling fires in period hearths and docents dressed in traditional attire. Free family event.
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May Woods | Holiday Hike
Dec 19 1:00-3:00PM | May Woods
Grab your hiking boots, gloves and maybe even a Santa Hat…it’s time for the May Woods Holiday Hike! This stroll through May Woods will allow you to delight in nature’s finest winter show.
Hiking Lead: TBD
Have a programming idea?
Have a topic you’d love to learn about? A type of hike you’d like to take? Or…would you like to become a guest lecturer or hiking lead? We’d love to hear from you.
The Lecture Venue: Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL)
Our lecture series is brought to you free of charge, thanks in part to, the Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL).
MAPL Address: 117 S Main St, Mackinaw, IL 61755, United States
Lectures are hosted in the back room; accessed after hours through the rear entrance. Questions? Contact Us.
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)