Leelanau Historical Society Museum

09/25/2026

Join us for a special screening of Frontier to Freedom, an award-winning documentary exploring Michigan’s history from its Indigenous homelands through statehood in 1837. Filmmaker Keith Patterson will attend and participate in an audience Q&A following the film.

09/17/2026

⚓ Did you get your 2026 Maritime History Festival commemorative poster?

What an incredible year for the Leelanau Maritime History Festival! We welcomed a wonderful crowd to the shores of the Leland River for a day filled with wooden boats, maritime history, live music, community partners, and the return of the Classic Car Show organized by Vans Garage.

This year was especially meaningful as we gathered to honor the memory of Jim Wenstrup and officially rename the annual Wooden Boat Show in his honor. ❤️

To commemorate the occasion, we’re excited to offer this limited-edition festival poster featuring the beautiful watercolor Boats on the Wall by local artist Martha Elchert from her original watercolor “Wood Boats on the Wall”. Thank you Martha for allowing us to share your artwork as part of this year’s celebration!

Posters are 11” x 17” and available while supplies last in the LHS Museum Gift Shop or through our online shop.

2026 Commemorative Poster.- Leelanau Maritime History Festival. Artwork by Martha Elchert.

Available in the gift shop or online: https://leelanauhistory.square.site/product/2026-leelanau-maritime-history-festival-commemorative-poster/QEBBTHGR4VIUD5JROIVQCXQG?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true

Museum Gift Shop Hours: Tue-Fri 11-4pm, Sat 10-2pm.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 4th Annual Leelanau Maritime History Festival such a memorable day and for continuing to celebrate Leelanau’s maritime heritage with us. ⚓

09/08/2026

What a great write up about the up coming festival! Thank you Glen Arbor Sun!

The Leelanau Historical Society (LHS) is set to host the annual Leelanau Maritime History Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12. This well-loved festival, along with the equally loved 21st annual Wood Boa…

08/28/2026

⚓ A huge thank you to our 2026 Maritime History Festival Sponsors!
Their generous support helps us create a dynamic and exciting festival for our community while furthering our mission to celebrate and share Leelanau’s maritime history, past and present!
Be sure to join the fun!
📅 Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Along the Leland River | 203 E. Cedar St | Leland, MI
⚓ Classic wooden boats & classic car show by Van’s Garage, live Great Lakes music, history, exhibits, family activities & more
🎟️ Free! All are welcome!