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

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.  

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,

Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.,  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. In this new programming series, seasoned published authors of various genres lead participants through writing exercises and workshops to hone their writerly talents. March’s Writer: Natalie Colby and Sara Daniels. Explore place-based writing, using your genre of choice (poetry, creative nonfiction, or fiction). Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

The fifth annual YooperCON event at Northern Michigan University will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at the Northern Center. Hundreds of high school students from across the Upper Peninsula will converge on NMU’s campus for a day of cybersecurity education and career exploration.  Students will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learn about internet safety, scam detection and the role of artificial intelligence in the digital landscape.  YooperCON 2026 will feature 10 unique cybersecurity education sessions: Ask AI Right; Career Q&A; Cyber Bingo; Metadata Mayhem; Gamer’s Challenge; Network Topo; Digital Vapor Trails; Teachable Machines; Hack A