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

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.  

Mondays 1-3 p.m.  The Negaunee Public Library is hosting a homeschool hangout from 1-3 p.m. Mondays. The program is for all youth and their families who do not attend traditional school. Homeschool students, online students through programs such as Link Learning, and others are welcome to participate. Attendees will meet other youth and families and enjoy an activity. This program is free, and designed for homeschool and nontraditionally schooling families. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.  

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.