Harbor Springs Area Historical Society

10/21/2026

Stronger Together! 💪 🏛️

Historical Society staff members Kristyn Balog and Cole Robinson are spending a few days at the Michigan Museums Association annual conference, connecting with museum professionals from across the state, sharing ideas, and finding fresh inspiration to bring back to Harbor Springs!

This year's conference theme is "Stronger Together," a great reminder that museums thrive when we learn from one another, collaborate, and support the communities we serve.

10/10/2026

Cemetery Tours today at Lakeview Cemetery and a brief message about upcoming programs.

10/01/2026

🚂 They've been working on the railroad since 1902 ... stop by the Ephraim Shay Works Museum's front lawn to see the Historical Society's entry into the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce's SkeleTOUR for 2026 💀

In 1902, Ephraim Shay chartered the Harbor Springs Railway, known locally as the “Hemlock Central.” The eight-mile railroad ran north from Harbor Springs to several lumber camps, hauling logs back to downtown mills like Crowl Mill at the base of East Hill. On Sundays during the busy summer months, the logging cars were replaced with specially made passenger cars. For a small fee, locals could ride the train into the countryside for picnics and excursions. The Harbor Springs Railway closed in 1912. .

09/11/2026

This September and October, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will return to Lakeview Cemetery for a new series of walking tours highlighting local veterans and the monuments that preserve their stories. For Historical Society Curator Beth Wemigwase, however, the work behind the tours begins well before visitors arrive at the cemetery ... READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE. 🍁

https://www.harborspringshistory.org/about/news/veterans-of-lakeview-tours-connect-preservation-service-and-local-history.html

09/03/2026

Our curator was at Lakeview Cemetery recently cleaning headstones and preparing for the society's upcoming "Veterans of Lakeview" Walking Tours - set for Saturday, Sept. 19. Register today to learn the stories of some of the local men and women who served their country.

https://www.harborspringshistory.org/events/calendar/programs/veterans-of-lakeview-stories-of-service-cemetery-walking-tour.html

08/23/2026

Discover the role Fort Michilimackinac and northern Michigan played in the American Revolution! 🇺🇸 Register for our next Harbor History Talk on Thursday, Aug 27 to hear from Mackinac State Historic Parks Chief Curator Craig Wilson on how the British, French Canadian, and Anishnaabek residents of Michilimackinac navigated and participated in the war, and the lasting legacies of the Revolution in our area.

Advanced registration is appreciated, $15 per person. The talk begins at 5:30 pm on the second floor of the Harbor Springs History Museum. Register at the link below or call 231-526-9771. https://www.harborspringshistory.org/events/calendar/history-talks/northern-michigan-at-250.html

08/21/2026

The Historical Society is proud to once again be a stop on the Art Trail! We have a special photography exhibit on the main floor of the History Museum and quill work demonstrations inside the Andrew J. Blackbird Museum with Odawa artist Jacob Keshick.

Rain or shine, the Tunnel of Trees Art Trail is happening this Saturday!

Join us Saturday, August 22 from 10 AM–5 PM for a day celebrating local artists, creativity, and the beauty of the Tunnel of Trees.

Grab your friends, explore the trail, and come out to support local art! We’ll see you there!

08/13/2026

Curator Beth Wemigwase provides the historical narration for this fun cruise around Little Traverse Bay! Register at the ferry's website.

⚓ Last call for history on Little Traverse Bay!

📍***DEPARTS FROM PETOKSEY CITY MARINA

Don’t miss your final chance this summer to enjoy one of our popular narrated history cruises aboard the Harbor Princess!

This Sunday, local history expert Beth from the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will take us back in time, sharing fascinating stories, local history, and fun facts about Harbor Springs and the communities along beautiful Little Traverse Bay.

📅 Sunday, August 16
⏰ 1:30–3:15 PM

Come for the views, leave knowing a little more about the people, places, and stories that make this area so special.

🎟️ Space is limited—get your tickets at littletraversebayferry.org!

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08/04/2026

📸 Happening TODAY (August 4)! Don't miss your chance to experience "A Century in Focus: Harbor Springs, 1880–1980."

Join us this afternoon at the Harbor Springs History Museum for an exhibit reception from 2–4 pm, featuring light refreshments and the opportunity to explore more than a century of Harbor Springs heritage through remarkable historic photographs.

Then, at 4 pm, curator Beth Wemigwase will present an illustrated history talk sharing the stories, research, and surprising discoveries behind many of the images and photographers featured in the exhibit.

There's still time to join us! Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register in advance by calling 231-526-9771 or visiting: https://www.harborspringshistory.org/events/calendar/programs/exhibit-reception-and-history-talk-a-century-in-focus-harbor-springs-18801980.html