Explore Northern Lower Michigan history at the Michigan History Conference on September 22-24

LANSING, Mich. — Calling all historians, history buffs and Michigan residents interested in exploring regional history and culture! The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) is hosting a one-of-a-kind conference weekend celebrating the wooded history of Roscommon and Grayling and the northern lower Michigan region on September 22-24, 2023.

The Michigan History Conference travels to a new host location in the Lower Peninsula each year and features exciting keynote presentations, content sessions, educational workshops, a robust exhibit hall and more. This year, the event takes place at the Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Center, a Department of Natural Resources property, in Northern Lower Michigan. The conference includes keynotes on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Camp Grayling and Michigan's rock 'n' roll legends. 

In addition to the keynotes, join HSM for content sessions on Fred Bear, of national archery and bow hunting renown; Michigan's Fruit Ridge farming region; artist Gwen Frostic; the ghost towns of Crawford and Roscommon Counties; Chief Shoppenagon, an Ojibwe man who worked within two cultures; famous true crime tales in Northern Lower Michigan; the glacial history of Michigan and many other topics.

Pricing for the Michigan History Conference starts at $189 and includes all breakout sessions, the Friday open house, the Friday evening meal and awards ceremony, a special "Night at the Museum" at the Crawford County Historical Museum, the Saturday opening keynote, the Saturday luncheon keynote and the Sunday walking tour. Add-ons for workshops, local history-themed tours, and the Saturday evening banquet are available for additional fees.

Registration details, the full conference itinerary and more are available on HSM's website.

The lead sponsors for the Michigan History Conference are The Meijer Foundation, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and Library of Michigan.

Additional sponsors are Dart Bank, Michigan State University Department of History, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Michigan State University Press, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Clarke Historical Library, Wayne State University Press, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Press, Roscommon Area Historical Society and Chronicle Heritage.

The Historical Society of Michigan is the state’s oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan’s rich history.