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

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

Restaurant Week March 8 – 14

“The Holocaust: History, Memory & Michigan Voices,” a new traveling exhibition created by the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, is on display at Northern Michigan University’s Olson Library through April 30. An opening reception is scheduled at 4 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Library Atrium. A smaller exhibit on art as resistance is also featured. “In many ways, the traveling exhibition is a condensed, portable version of the Zekelman Center,” said Ryan Bond, an NMU staff member who teaches a history of the Holocaust class and is a member of the center. “The content there used to be

Monday, March 9, 2026.  5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors. Bring your dinner, sit down, and enjoy this sensitive 2015 film inspired by the lives of two Danish painters. Alicia Vikander won an Oscar for her portrayal of Gerde Wegener, the wife of Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne in an Oscar-nominated performance), who was one of the first recipients of gender reassignment surgery. Rated R. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Due to recent snow days and lost rehearsal time, the Northern Michigan University Orchestra’s annual Children’s Concert has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, in Reynolds Recital Hall. This is a free event. “The music that the orchestra will perform is generally familiar to the families since it is based on film and musicals,” said conductor Barbara Rhyneer. “Plus, the folk fiddle tune ‘Blackberry Blossom’ offers a chance for the small kids to get up and dance.” Selections the orchestra will perform include “How to Train Your Dragon” by John Powell, “Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd

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.  

Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  A book group for readers, who love to cook. With a focus on food-themed literature, the group explores a variety of books from cookbooks to culinary memoirs. Participants can enjoy tasty treats inspired by the book of the month while sharing their thoughts and connecting with others who share their passion for both literature and food. This month’s book is Be Ready When Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten. No admission charge. For more information call 906-226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.  

Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  All young wizards in 3rd-6th grade welcome. Delve deeper into the deep dark corners of Hogwarts and make Aragog a special home to keep him safe! And in case the Whopping Willow broke your wand, make a new wand. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.