Do you need a good reason to visit Beaver Island? Michigan Sea Grant educator Brandon Schroeder will give a presentation on “Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail: People, Fish and Fishing” at 7 p.m. July 20 during the 37th annual Museum Week. The week is celebrated July 16-22, 2017, with fun activities happening all week. Complete schedule is online. Most events are free, except where tickets or admission is expressly noted, all other events are free will donations which benefit the Historical Society.
The Historical Society currently operates two museums on the Island, the Print Shop Museum and the Marine Museum, as well as two additional historical sites, Heritage Park and the Protar Home. It offers several resources and services to visitors, including genealogical research free of charge, copies of archival photos, and a series of historical journals and other books for purchase. Additionally, the museum hosts many events throughout the year to promote the Island’s history.
Brandon works with coastal communities and businesses in northern Michigan to apply science-based knowledge to address Great Lakes and northern Lake Huron issues.
The Great Lakes fishery reflects the story of people, fish, and fishing; and how we relate to aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, and environmental change. The Great Lakes fishery is the thread running through all these aspects, serving as the gauge of resource sustainability and quality of life for people. Brandon also co-authored, The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery.
The Beaver Island Historical Society was founded in 1957 to collect and share the fascinating history of Beaver Island. A remote island in Lake Michigan, it has witnessed many interesting and unique historical events, and has been home to various groups including Native Americans, a Mormon branch known as the Strangites, Irish immigrants, fisherman, lumberjacks, and many more. For an overview of Beaver Island History click here.
