When you need to know about the past, the Marquette County Historical Society is the source. The historical society was organized in 1918 by pioneer citizens of Marquette County who wanted a local institution to collect the history of the Central Upper Peninsula so it would remain in the region. Since that time, the society has collected, preserved and interpreted all types of materials and artifacts relevant to the history of the upper peninsula of Michigan. The society's first home was at the Peter White Public Library. In 1937, the building known as Fraternity Hall, located at 213 N. Front Street in Marquette, was purchased and the society continues to occupy the building today.
  The Marquette County Historical Society is a private non-profit organization and receives no funding from any unit of government. The Board of Trustees is under the leadership of President Blaine Betts. The staff includes Frances Porter, Executive Director; Kaye Hiebel, Curator of collections; Joy Bender Hadley, Curator of Exhibits; Linda Panian, Librarian; and Kim Bone, Museum Store Manager. A small endowment provides 65% of operating revenues. The balance is generated through memberships, museum admission, research fees, contributions, grants, museum store sales and fund-raising. Everyone is welcome to join the historical society and there are several membership categories. All include free admission to the museum, a subscription to the quarterly journal Harlow's Wooden Man, museum store discounts and reduced ticket prices for some events. Free research privileges are included with supporting and life memberships.
  A historical museum, the J.M. Longyear Research Library and educational and entertaining public programs are all operated by the historical society. Changing and permanent exhibits about the history of the region are featured in the museum's three galleries. Economic, social and cultural history are all interpreted in the displays which trace the history of the region from the Copper Culture to the present. A special exhibit is mounted annually that highlights an aspect of local history. In 2000, Signs of the Times; Marketing in America scheduled to open in April, will explore the history of local advertising and marketing campaigns and relate them to the national scene. Volunteers with special interest in exhibit topics assist with the planning of exhibits. The display feature artifacts from the historical society's collections and items loaned by people from local communities. Everyone with something that may by interesting to include in the exhibit is welcome to call the society. Museum admission is: adults $3, students age thirteen and older $1 and children free.
  The J.M. Longyear Research Library houses an internationally recognized collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and business records pertaining to Upper Great Lakes history. John M. Longyear bequeathed his personal library in 1922. Currently, over 15,000 books, 100,000 photographic images and 1,000 maps are included in the collection. Diaries, correspondence and unpublished research reflecting life in the Upper Peninsula are found in the manuscript files. Several collections of personal and business papers, and records of local clubs and organizations are included in extensive archival collections. In addition, there is a current events file and several genealogical resources. The library publishes books about local history from manuscripts donated to the historical society.
  The library is easy to use. A librarian provides personal assistance with the research. A fee if $5 per project is charged to access the collection. This one-time fee allows the researcher to return as often as necessary to review available materials. The fee for university students is $2 and elementary and secondary students pay no fees.
  Special events are often associated with the exhibits. The public is invited to attend opening receptions, dinners with speakers, workshops and annual meeting. Self-guided group tours of the museum are available and should be scheduled in advance. Walking tour brochures describe the significant architecture of the Arch and Ridge street historic district and downtown Marquette. The Historical Society co-sponsors events with other community organizations and was involved with Marquette's Sesquicentennial and Northern Michigan University's Centennial celebrations. As a special Sesquicentennial project, the society co-produced a video about Marquette's history with WLUC-TV's Six Productions entitled On Iron Bay: The Marquette, Michigan Story. The Helen Longyear Paul and the Peter White Memorial Awards, presented annually, honor individuals and institutions that have enhanced the study of
local history.
  The Historical Society has no budget for the purchase of museum artifacts, and the nineteenth century and these artifacts are the core of the extensive collections. Today, the process continues. The historical society actively collects photographs, maps, business records, books and artifacts relevant to the history of the Central Upper Peninsula. Current and former residents continue to generously donate tools, clothing dishes, glassware, quilts, uniforms, toys, paper products, folk and fine art and may other items. The curators are currently seeking examples of twentieth century life and culture. If you have something you may be thinking of giving or throwing away, please consider calling the historical society and donating it to the museum.
  The Marquette County Historical Society encourages the support and input of all county residents. Join the society, visit the museum, use the library or attend a special event. Participation in your historical society ensures that the past and present will be preserved for the future. Everyone is invited to become one of "the history people." For more information, please call 226-3571.

—Frances Porter

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