The Macomb Cultural Center offers a number of presentations that explore Michigan's relationship to the Great Lakes as a superhighway. The events are part of Great Lakes, Great Stories: Michigan's Maritime Heritage, a two-month series of programs exploring the history, romance and legacy of the Great Lakes. The events are free, but pre-registration is required.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Joel Stone, curator, Detroit Historical Society, presents Practical Ships Designed for Practically Every Need, focusing on the unique ships developed by local designers and shipyards to conform to the practical needs of industry as well as the physical demands of the Great Lakes. He also touches on ship building, crew life and the industries that affected the Great Lakes maritime community.
Charles Hyde, professor of history, Wayne State University, and author of The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes, presents Lighthouses of Michigan on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. He weaves together the histories of Michigan lighthouses with their role in opening the region to settlement and supporting the growth of commercial trade. Additional presentations related to the topic include:
Friday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. - Birch Bark Canoes and French Fur Trades
Researcher and author Timothy Kent uses a replica canoe in his presentation (geared toward school groups), which focuses on the origin and history of the fur trade, early military transport and Native American lifestyles of the 19th century.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. - Michigan's Early Fur Trade
Keith Widder, PhD and retired curator for the Mackinac State Historic Parks, highlights how the fur trade shaped the early development of Michigan. He traces the importance of birch bark canoes used for transport and how the fur trade brought the Native American and European cultures together.
Friday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m. - Wood Boats of the Great Lakes
Author John Mitchell traces the rise of wooden boats that traveled the Great Lakes after the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. The history and growth of the wood powerboat industry from the 1920s through the 1950s will also be presented.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. - Highway to the Heartland
Dennis Zembala, president, Port Huron Museum, focuses on the role of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes in creating an agricultural and industrial powerhouse in Michigan and surrounding Midwestern states. He also highlights communities along the waterway route.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. - Evolution of the Great Lakes Freighter
Mark Thompson, former college professor, maritime academy administrator and Great Lakes sailor, traces the lineage of the Great Lakes Bulk Freighter, which became the backbone of the lakes' shipping industry. The unique style of ship that opened the iron ore trade on the upper lakes was developed shortly after the Civil War.
The Macomb Cultural Center, Macomb County's place for discovery, explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads in Clinton Township, the Macomb Cultural Center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information on or to register for Great Lakes, Great Stories: Michigan's Maritime Heritage programs at the Macomb Cultural Center, call 586.445.7348 or visit www.macombculturalcenter.com.
Media Contact: Karen M. LeDuc
Phone: 586.445.7271