Mackinaw City Author to Host Workshop on How to Write a Local History
Mackinaw City, MI — The Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS) is pleased to welcome board member, historian, and author Frank Boles for a special workshop on how to research and write a community history on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
The program will be held at the Mackinaw Area Public Library, 528 W. Central Ave., Mackinaw City. Attendees should use the library’s rear entrance to access the community room. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be available via Zoom (Meeting ID: 319 998 8836; Passcode: history).
During the workshop, Boles will guide participants through the essential first steps of creating a local history project. His presentation will address
important preliminary decisions, including selecting a topic, identifying the intended audience, and determining how the finished work will reach readers. He will also share practical advice on conducting research, organizing notes, and shaping materials into a cohesive and compelling narrative.
“As local news sources continue to become fewer, the responsibility for preserving and sharing our community stories increasingly falls to local citizens,” said Boles. “Creating a local history is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure that our shared experiences, institutions, and traditions are documented for future generations.”
He added, “Becoming a local author is far more accessible than many people realize. With thoughtful research, reliable sources, and a clear plan, anyone with curiosity and commitment can produce work that makes a lasting contribution to their community.”
Boles retired in 2021 after serving for thirty years as director of Central Michigan University’s Clarke Historical Library, whose mission includes documenting Michigan’s history. Over his career, he has both preserved and interpreted the state’s past. His earlier book, Sailing into History: Great Lakes Bulk Carriers of the Twentieth Century and the Crews Who Sailed Them, was named a Michigan Notable Book in 2018.
“Creating a local history is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure that our shared experiences, institutions, and traditions are documented for future generations.”
Most recently, Boles authored Visiting Mackinac: 150 Years of Tourism at Michigan’s Fabled Straits, published by Michigan State University Press in December 2025. The book explores how Mackinac Island and the surrounding Straits region transformed from a remote Great Lakes outpost into one of Michigan’s most beloved tourist destinations. Drawing on extensive archival research, Boles traces the rise of steamboat and rail travel, the growth of middle-class tourism, and the role of iconic destinations such as Grand Hotel in shaping the region’s national reputation. He also examines the ongoing balance between economic development and preservation that continues to define the character of Mackinac today.
For readers interested in Great Lakes history, heritage tourism, urban development, and cultural preservation, Visiting Mackinac offers a thoughtful and richly researched account of how tourism, economy, and community values intersect and evolve over time.
This MAHS lecture is free and open to the public. Community members, aspiring authors, students, and anyone interested in preserving local history are encouraged to attend.
For additional information about the event, please visit www.mackinawhistory.com
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About Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS)
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of Mackinaw City and the surrounding areas. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community engagement, MAHS aims to connect residents and visitors with the rich historical tapestry of the region.
For more information about the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, please visit www.mackinawhistory.com