View the press release here.

August 12, 2023

Erin Burns, a life-long resident of Michigan, and Shannon Hahn Westblade, a third-generation owner/innkeeper on Mackinac Island, were unanimously voted to the Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees at its annual meeting August 12. In addition, at its regular meeting August 25, Harbor Springs resident and St. Ignace native Wendie Keen was appointed to the board.

View the press release here.

May 2023

Mackinac Associates is excited to share the 2023 event schedule that includes additional behind-the-scenes events and a new fall event in Mackinaw City. Download a printable event schedule here.

February 2, 2023

Mackinac Associates helps fund projects both large and small and this past year was no exception with nearly $200,000 in projects sponsored across Mackinac State Historic Parks sites and operations. View the graphic summary of the 2022 accomplishments of Mackinac Associates, thanks to our members!

This fall we are seeking support for a very significant addition to our collection. We are very excited to announce the acquisition of two rare paintings that contribute to the story of Michilimackinac. Through a recent auction in London, Mackinac State Historic Parks was able to acquire original paintings, done pre-1790 of Arent Schuyler DePeyster and his wife, Rebecca Blair DePeyster, that had previously been in a private collection.

Read more here.

November 2, 2022

Looking back over the last forty years since receiving their official 501(c)3 non-profit designation in 1982, Mackinac Associates has funded an outstanding list of projects supporting Mackinac State Historic Parks. Funds raised through Mackinac Associates from membership fees, appeals, sponsorships, and other gifts assist in in preserving the rich history and natural beauty of the Straits of Mackinac.

September 6, 2022

Nicole Doud, of Mackinac Island, and Heather Martin, of Kenilworth, Illinois, were unanimously voted to the Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees at its annual meeting August 20. In addition, appointed member David Levy, of Mackinac Island, was introduced to the membership after being appointed to fill a vacant seat at the July 8 board meeting.

View the press release here.

August 2022

In celebration of our 40th anniversary and many years of supporting Mackinac State Historic Parks, Mackinac Associates is excited to welcome Dennis O. Cawthorne as our guest speaker for the 2022 Annual Mackinac Associates Members Meeting scheduled for August 20th at the Huron Road Pavilion on Mackinac Island.

In 1982, Mackinac Associates received its official 501(c)(3) status, and the organization that we know and love was officially born. As we look back on the 40-year history of Mackinac Associates, it is incredible the amount of support the organization has given Mackinac State Historic Parks, and the projects that have been accomplished thanks to this dedicated friend’s group. 

April 2022

The reconstruction of Colonial Michilimackinac is based on 63 seasons of archaeological excavation as well as many years of archival research. We are excited to share our newest reconstruction project with you – the Southwest Rowhouse addition at Colonial Michilimackinac. This will be the first reconstructed building added to Michilimackinac since 2013.

In 2022 Mackinac State Historic Parks will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the accident involving Alexis St. Martin that allowed Dr. William Beaumont, the post surgeon at Fort Mackinac, to conduct his famous experiments on human digestion. In preparation for the anniversary, our focus for the fall appeal is renovation of the Dr. Beaumont Museum housed in the American Fur Company Retail Store on Mackinac Island.

Joan Slater, of St. Ignace, and Brian Bailey, of Mackinac Island, were unanimously voted to the Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees at its annual meeting August 14th. Welcome to the board, Joan and Brian! View the Press Release announcing our new Board Members.

We are excited that the 2021 season for Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites is
finally here! While the historic nature of sites will always present challenges when it comes to accessibility, we are on a mission to make sites more accessible for all. Learn how you can help, view the 2021 Spring Appeal Letter in support accessibility efforts and mobility devices.

Mackinac Associates is supporting Parks staff as they look for ways to ensure signature programs such as the archaeology field project continue uninterrupted into the future. With your help, 2021 will be the 63rd consecutive season for the Colonial Michilimackinac archaeology field project. Learn how you can help, view the 2020 Fall Appeal Letter.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has appointed Steve Brisson as Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, replacing the retiring Phil Porter. Brisson is the 14th director in MSHP’s history and will begin in his new role October 4, 2020. View the Press Release regarding Steve’s appointment.

Todd Callewaert, of Mackinac Island and Gross Point Shores, and Natalia Wohletz, of Mackinac Island and Milford, were unanimously voted to the Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees at its annual meeting August 15, 2020. View the Press Release announcing our new Board Members.

As details continue to evolve and change, we would like to provide updates regarding the Mackinac State Historic Parks 2020 125th anniversary season and Mackinac Associates events. View the news release concerning a COVID-19 update and event changes.

As we consider our special events schedule this season, we have the safety of our members and staff involved in planning and implementing the event at the forefront. View the announcement concerning the change in date for the 2020 G. Mennen Williams Celebration.

One of the hallmarks of Mackinac State Historic Parks has been its success in protecting, preserving and presenting the history connected to the various sites they manage. This success is due in large part to the continued support of our members through membership dues and donations. View the announcement outlining a change in focus for our Spring Appeal.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is updating the Biddle House to include the Mackinac Island Native American Museum. This new exhibit will tell the continuing story of the Anishnaabek on Mackinac Island and in the surrounding Straits of Mackinac region. View the Mackinac State Historic Parks recent blog post providing an update on the Biddle House project.

We are excited to announce that we are renovating one of Fort Mackinac’s more popular exhibits – the Kids’ Quarters. With your help we can create a fresh space for kids of all ages to explore many facets of life at Fort Mackinac. Read the letter announcing this exciting new Fall Appeal initiative.

Members gathered at Historic Mill Creek for the 2019 Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting. View the Annual Meeting Recap from Pete Pellerito, President of Mackinac Associate.

Stephen Murray and Sheldon Smith were elected to replace outgoing members Mary Jane Barnwell and Mark Mercer. View the Press Release announcing our new Board Members below.

We are excited that the 2019 season for the Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites is finally here! This means it is also time for our spring appeal. The many projects that have been completed are made possible by support from you as a loyal member of Mackinac Associates. View the letter from Director Phil Porter and President of Mackinac Associate Peter Pellerito announcing our Spring Appeal.

Just because the Mackinac State Historic Parks’ historic sites are closed for the season, it doesn’t mean that the rich history of the Mackinac area isn’t still available. The
historical interpreters are out on the road presenting to classrooms across Michigan instead! Learn about how Mackinac Associates helps staff visit classrooms across the state.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is pleased to announce the hiring of Michelle Walk as Membership and Grants Coordinator, replacing Diane Dombroski, who retired July 31. Michelle started on August 27, and her office is located at the Petersen Center Administrative Building in Mackinaw City. View the Press Release regarding Michelle’s appointment.