The Macomb Cultural Center is presenting a wide-ranging perspective of Michigan's lighthouses, from their role in helping open up the Great Lakes region to settlement through preservation efforts, as well as lighthouse legends and ghostly tales. The presentations are free and 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.
Saturday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. - Saving Michigan's Lighthouses
A panel discussion of the current state of lighthouse preservation in the state.
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2 p.m. - Lighthouses and Legends
Kitty Donohoe, songwriter, storyteller and musician, brings the romance of the Great Lakes alive with narrative and music that includes tales of the shipping era and haunted lighthouses to songs of everyday sailors, fishermen and women who helped settle the region.
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. - Ladies of the Light
Dianna Stampfler has spent more than 10 years presenting the legend and lore of Michigan's lighthouses and their keepers. With readings from journals, logs and autobiographies, she shares the stories and images of the women who cast the beacons that protected ships in the night.
Wednesday, Oct, 31, 1 p.m. - Michigan's Ghostly Lights
What is it about lighthouses that attract ghostly spirits? Dianna Stampfler tells the stories of 12 Michigan lighthouses thought to be haunted.
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. -- Lighthouses of Michigan
Charles Hyde, professor of history at Wayne State University and author of The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes, weaves together the histories of Michigan lighthouses and their role in opening the region to settlement and supporting the growth of commercial trade.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m. - History of Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
Coast Guard Auxiliarist Bob Hanford traces the history of Michgian's oldest lighthouse, which was constructed in 1829 by Lucius Lyon, who later became one of Michigan's first U.S. Senators.
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m. -- Recent Successes in Great Lakes Lighthouse Preservation
A former deck officer on Great Lakes ships and lighthouse historian, author and photographer, Wayne Sapulskishowcases the lighthouses of the region, discusses recent restoration successes and highlights sites seriously in need of restoration.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. -- Sweetwater Journey
Heritage interpreter Donn Werling role-plays a 19th century lighthouse keeper in a presentation with his wife, Diane, of original tales and songs of the Great Lakes and its lighthouses. They describe the history of the lakes, why the Great Lakes has one of the greatest concentration of lighthouses in the world, why light keepers were and are revered, and preservation of this heritage.
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