Recent News
Want to support Mackinac State Historic Parks?
January 2026
Mackinac Associates is the nonprofit friends group that raises money for Mackinac State Historic Parks. From the Milliken Nature Center at Arch Rock to the Slavery at the Straits exhibit in Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinac Associates has helped fund many major updates and renovations throughout our parks system. But did you know that Mackinac Associates also seeks donations to several ongoing projects throughout our sites?
Every donation to Mackinac Associates counts, enhancing visitor experience from infrastructure behind the scenes to exhibits in public spaces. Below is a list of funds and programs that Mackinac Associates supports, covering all facets of museum operations.
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On the mainland at Colonial Michilimackinac, historical interpreters showcase military and domestic life in the 1770s as it would have been at this important economic trade hub. French-Candian merchant families tend several gardens throughout the reconstruction, giving guests an intimate look at how people thrived at this distant outpost. You can become a part of this experience by donating, helping to purchase materials needed every season like twine, plants, and seeds, as well as long-term equipment like glass bell jars and historically appropriate gardening tools. If you visit the garden outside the South Southwest Rowhouse, you’ll meet our flock of Dominique chickens, who will enjoy treats, enrichment items, and food purchased with your donations.
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When strolling along Mackinac Island’s Market Street during the height of the summer season, the clanging of a hammer striking an anvil can often be heard. The sounds of the equine industry waft from the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, a working forge characteristic of Mackinac life in the 1950s. The site in Historic Downtown Mackinac is one of many that can benefit from donations to our equipment fund. Blacksmithing tools, carpentry equipment, and historically appropriate kitchen utensils are always needed to enhance our offerings, and donations from those passionate about history will always be welcomed to help offset costs.
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Offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests is top of mind at Mackinac State Historic Parks. Our staff takes accessibility seriously, analyzing our sites and procedures annually to ensure people of all ages and abilities can step back in time with us. A fleet of mobility scooters are available for guests to use during their visit, purchased with the help of Mackinac Associates donors. First-aid equipment is also essential, including AEDs posted in our visitor’s centers, museum stores, and administrative offices. These life-saving devices can mean the difference in a medical emergency, such as in a situation this summer when a Boy Scout serving on Mackinac Island saved a man’s life.
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Marquette Park provides one of the most beautiful settings on Mackinac Island, a place known for many things, including history, horses, and fudge. The island is also known for its many beautiful gardens and flowers baskets hanging from light poles throughout downtown. Flower baskets hang from every streetlight around Marquette Park along Fort and Main streets, and Mackinac State Historic Parks maintains several flower beds and plantings that burst with lilacs and other gorgeous blooms each summer. With your help, we can ensure this tradition of beautifying Marquette Park continues, offering a lovely backdrop for picnics, weddings, and outdoor performances.
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The boom of a cannon and a volley of rifle fire are some of the most iconic sounds of Mackinac State Historic Parks that instantly transport you back in time. Each year, we use about 350 pounds of black powder, which offer a visual and auditory spectacle emblematic of our military history. The ammunition used in our many demonstrations is packed each winter for the summer ahead. You can become a part of the historical drama by donating to Mackinac Associates in support of the black powder demonstration program.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS, donations to Mackinac Associates are tax deductible as allowable by law.
Michigan Governor ‘Soapy’ Williams, A Champion for Mackinac
December 2025
The G. Mennen Williams Mackinac Celebration is the kickoff to the events season for our friends group Mackinac Associates, named in honor of former Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams. But who was Gov. Williams and why is he important to Mackinac State Historic Parks?
Original ruins are on display in the British Trader’s cellar exhibit at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
Fall Appeal is Launched for Archeological Ruins Conservation Work
November 2025
Mackinac Associates has launched its 2025 fall appeal campaign to support the conservation and historic preservation of archeological ruins at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Located at the British Trader’s House and Solomon-Levy House, these ruins have been prominent displays for more than 35 years, showcasing the authenticity of our reconstructed fort.
A professional and nationally-renowned team from the Warren Lasch Conservation Center at Clemson University will complete and assessment and perform cleaning and stabilization work this winter.
Please help us protect these features for generations to come.
The 2025-2026 Mackinac Associates Board.
Members Gather for 2025 Annual Meeting
August 2025
Mackinac Associates members gathered at Colonial Michilimackinac for the annual meeting Sunday, August 17, 2025. The afternoon was filled with good conversation, food, and the regular business meeting during which the members considered four candidates for the four board seats up for election this year. Board member and longtime supporter Sheldon Smith retired from the board and did not seek reelection. Nicole Doud, Steven Murray, and Heather Martin were reelected for another three-year term, and Richard Card was elected to fill the vacancy.
The 2026 Annual Member Meeting will be held on Mackinac Island Sunday, August 16. More details will be shared later.
Timmons-Rearick Family Honored with 2025 G. Mennen Williams Stewardship Award
July 2025
The Timmons-Rearick family was honored with the second annual G. Mennen Williams Stewardship Award at the Mackinac Celebration in June. Known for their support of the community and appreciation for Mackinac State Historic Parks’ professional museum program, the late Clayton and Anna Timmons were longtime supporters of the state parks system. Carrying on their legacy is their daughter and her husband, Carol and Doug Rearick, who accepted the award on their behalf.
Mackinac Associates members enjoy a summer filled with programs and parties this year, including the annual G. Mennen Williams Mackinac Celebration, the Red, White, and Blue Celebration on July 4, and the LaFramboise Donor Appreciation Reception.
Summer Events Season Gets Underway
June 2025
Mackinac Associates Hosts Mackinac Island Public School Students
June 2025
Mackinac Associates hosted local children from Mackinac Island Public School during a special after-hours event at Fort Mackinac. Click the link below to view our photo gallery!
Mackinac Associates Publishes 2024 Annual Review
March 2025
Mackinac Associates had a successful 2024 fiscal year, as we supported two new exhibits and other projects and programs at Mackinac State Historic Parks. To learn more, click here to view the FY 2024 annual summary.
Mackinac Associates News Archives
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December 2024
During the winter of 2024-2025, the Fort Mackinac Soldiers’ Barracks will undergo a thorough transformation. Originally built in 1859, this historic structure is the largest building in the fort, and currently houses multiple exhibits, a temporary theater, and restrooms. All these elements will be completely overhauled and upgraded to provide visitors with new, engaging, and comfortable experiences while exploring Fort Mackinac.
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Mackinac Associates welcomed a new staff member in December as Stephanie Fortino of St. Ignace took on the role of Membership Associate. She joins Chief Development Officer Michelle Walk in supporting the organization and its members. Fortino joins Mackinac State Historic Parks following more than a decade in local journalism, having most recently served as editor of The St. Ignace News and Mackinac Island Town Crier. Originally from Genesee County, Fortino has enjoyed visiting MSHP sites since she was a child and has been blessed to call the Straits of Mackinac “home” since 2013.
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August 17, 2024
John Kruse of Auburn, Indiana, and Mackinac Island was elected to the Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees at the annual member meeting August 17. He replaces Joan Slater of St. Ignace who did not seek reelection. Kruse is an entrepreneur who grew up visiting Mackinac State Historic Parks sites during annual trips to the Straits Area during childhood. He and his wife, Abby, recently became stewards of a cottage on the East Bluff of Mackinac Island and are enjoying becoming part of the community.
In addition to Kruse’s election to the board, the annual meeting also featured a presentation by Park Naturalist Kyle Bagnall, who gave a talk at the Huron Road Pavillion behind Fort Mackinac. Mackinac Associates Treasurer Brian Bailey filled in for board President Todd Callewaert and highlighted the generous support of members during the past year.
The next week, the board reelected officers for another term: Callewaert, president, Skip Young, vice president, Bailey, treasurer, and Nancy Porter, secretary.
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The annual member sale is planned August 11 through 18, 2024.
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Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting to be held August 17th. Click for more information.
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View the press release here.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
