Central UP Events

Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will unveil two exhibits in its new gallery space in 223 Harden Hall: “The Conservationists: George Shiras III, Theodore Roosevelt and the Migratory Bird Act”; and a permanent display of artifacts, photographs and stories about NMU. The opening reception begins at noon Saturday, Jan. 31. “The Conservationists” focuses on the relationship between Shiras and Roosevelt and how the two helped shape conservation and environmental policy in the United States during the early 1900s. The exhibit will feature actual correspondence between the two figures from the collection of the Central Upper Peninsula and NMU

Finlandia Art Gallery  presents  Emily Lanctot Salaiset Ruokaohjeet: Secret Recipes February 5 – March 5, 2026 Artist Reception: Thursday, February 5, 7-8:30pm HANCOCK, Michigan — How do you think about recipes? Are they universal tools that carry the same meaning and purpose for all, or are they personal reminders of a loved one or shared experience? Could they be all these things and more?  For artist Emily Lanctot, they are the subject and inspiration for her exhibition “Salaiset Ruokaohjeet: Secret Recipes” which will be displayed at Finlandia Art Gallery February 5 through March 5, 2026. Most of the paintings in this exhibition are based on recipes

February 23, 2026-January 2, 2027 This exhibit showcases two hundred and fifty artifacts, photographs, and documents from our permanent collections. These objects connect local history to the national story while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has often seemed remote from the rest of the country. However, the themes and movements of U.S. history can be seen here as well, especially since the War of 1812. When the country braced for the Civil War, U.P. iron miners raced to uncover iron for the Union army’s railroads and ammunitions. When labor movements exploded following

An exciting literary event is coming to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this winter. The Writing North Winter Book Fest will bring together authors, readers, and community members for a weekend dedicated to books, storytelling, and regional voices from February 28 – March 1, 2026, in various locations in downtown Manistique. Hosted by The Mill Manistique and in partnership with Paper Mill Books, the festival marks the first time Manistique will host a winter-focused book festival designed to celebrate writers and books that are culturally connected to the Great Lakes region. “As a lifelong northerner, a reader, and an author, I know

Join the District on March 2 or 3 for Tour, Presentation, Q&A   Marquette, MI – Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS) will host a series of Town Hall Meetings in early March to provide families, staff, and community members with information about the May 5, 2026 bond proposal. Each session will include an optional guided tour of the school building, followed by a presentation outlining proposed improvements, project priorities, and opportunities for community questions to be answered.   The meetings are designed to help residents learn more about the District’s long‑range facilities plan, which addresses aging infrastructure, safety and accessibility

Monday, March 2, 2026,  6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors. Join fiber artist Lydia Taylor for a Beginner Punch Needle Workshop. Learn basic punch needle skills and leave with your very own handmade punch needle project. Starter kits provided. Space is limited to ten participants, so register early. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.   

Tuesdays & Fridays March (3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Preschool age children. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Join the District on March 2 or 3 for Tour, Presentation, Q&A   Marquette, MI – Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS) will host a series of Town Hall Meetings in early March to provide families, staff, and community members with information about the May 5, 2026 bond proposal. Each session will include an optional guided tour of the school building, followed by a presentation outlining proposed improvements, project priorities, and opportunities for community questions to be answered.   The meetings are designed to help residents learn more about the District’s long‑range facilities plan, which addresses aging infrastructure, safety and accessibility

Tuesday, March 3, 2026.  4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Youth of all ages and skill levels are invited to cozy up and work on their crochet, knit and weaving skills! Once a month, youth can come to work on creations from home or work on a new pattern with fellow yarn spinners. Some tools and yarn will be provided, and parents are encouraged to attend with their kids to work on projects of their own. Drop-in program; staff will help kids with patterns when able. No admission charge. Children under 8 must have an

Tuesdays, March (3, 10, 17, 24, 31) 2026.  6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.  Mediate Marquette and PWPL have collaborated to offer a weekly, in-person mindfulness meditation program. The sessions begin at 6:00 pm followed by a period of fellowship. Dr. Debra Smith, a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and psychologist, will deliver brief talks exploring various aspects of meditation and its impact on our lives. These talks will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, while longer meditation sessions are scheduled for the remaining Tuesdays. All individuals, regardless of skill level or spiritual affiliation,