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

 America Beckons by Aura Jylhä-Vuorio Finlandia Art Gallery  presents  ME SIIRTOLAISET | WE IMMIGRANTS  Selections from our art + archival collections March 12 – April 16, 2026 Opening Reception: Thursday, March 12, 7-8:30pm  HANCOCK, Mich. – Art, artifacts, and oral histories come together to tell stories of Finnish migration to the United States in the new exhibit “Me Siirtolaiset | We Immigrants,” which opens March 12 at Finlandia Art Gallery. The artwork in the exhibit is from the gallery’s permanent collection and includes the work of nine Finnish-American and Finnish artists – Ariadna Donner, Gerald Immonen, Aura Jylha-Vuorio, Gladys Koski Holmes, Desiree

Saturdays, March (7, 14, 21, 28), 2026.  11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays geared towards babies through preschool with a loving adult. Older siblings and older children welcome. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Saturday, March 21, 2026.  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Join NMU Art Education major Ella and create art! Kids of all ages are welcome – the techniques used will be adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities. All supplies provided, drop-in program. Children under the age of 8 must have an adult in the program with them. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

Monday, March 23, 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Dandelion Cottage Room.  Adults, Seniors. Join Marty for an in-person, in-depth discussion of Upper Michigan Today’s All Booked Up book of the month. Come with your questions, insights, and observations. This month’s book: Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Mondays 11 a.m.  The Negaunee Public Library is offering a weekly “quiet storytime” for younger children at 11 a.m. Mondays. There will be short stories accompanied by soft voices and sounds, sensory-friendly movements, and a fidget-friendly area. April 13 and 20 will incorporate special programs. This storytime is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.  

Mondays 11 a.m.  The Negaunee Public Library is offering a weekly “quiet storytime” for younger children at 11 a.m. Mondays. There will be short stories accompanied by soft voices and sounds, sensory-friendly movements, and a fidget-friendly area. April 13 and 20 will incorporate special programs. This storytime is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.