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

Mondays & Thursdays April (6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  For children 18 to 36 months with a loving adult, siblings welcome. Stories and songs to engage the curious mind and wiggly body, followed by sensory play activities.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Monday, April 13 11 a.m.  Storytime at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the Negaunee Public Library will feature a special guest and focus on music and movement. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this free event. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18. The Negaunee Public Library is hosting local poets Troy Graham and Soph at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13. The public is invited to attend this free poetry reading. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.  

Monday, April 13 11 a.m.  Storytime at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the Negaunee Public Library will be a special Financial Literacy Month program. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to attend this free event. Every family in attendance will receive a free book to keep. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.  

Mondays, April (13, 20, 27), 2026.  4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  In-person registration at the Youth Services Desk required to claim your spot in a fantasy adventure! Registration opens on March 23. Registration will be for all 3 sessions of campaign #2. Experienced and first-time players welcome.  No admission charge.  For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Monday, April 13, 2026.  5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. Bring your dinner, sit down, and enjoy this haunting 2016 biopic about the life of Emily Dickinson, starring Cynthia Nixon in the title role as the doomed poet. Rated PG-13.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.