The NMU Archives is celebrating American Archives month throughout the month of October, as they host events free to the public throughout the community.Over the past week, The NMU Archives, along with the Beaumier Heritage Center and the City of Marquette Arts & Culture Center celebrated the French Canadian heritage, as they hosted the French-Canadian band Mil at Reynolds Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 3.
The groups also hosted a French Canadian family history exchange event Friday, Oct. 4 evening at Peter White Public Library, where people of French Canadian descent gathered for Canadian folk dancing and refreshments.
“It’s important to stay loyal to our ethnicities,” said Dan Truckey, director of the Beaumier Heritage Center. “We’re all proud Americans, but we’re also very proud of the people who came here from other places, and our dance, music and food is all a big part of our loyalty.”
People shared family portraits, heirlooms and stories of their ancestors traveling to America, along with growing up in homes where French was their primary language.
“These events are most rewarding when seeing people embrace,” Truckey said. “People come and enjoy themselves, share their family’s background and even learn a thing or two about themselves. People enjoy coming together, that’s what this is all about.”
The events continue with Woman’s “herstory” week, which will celebrate the history of famous, powerful women in the Upper Peninsula. Kathy Warnes, a recipient of Grace H. Magnaghi researcher’s grant will give a presentation on Julia Tibbitts, who gained notoriety as an environmental activist in the U.P. who once sought to save Little Presque Isle and the Superior Shore line.
The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the NMU Archives in Room 126 of the LRC.
In the third week, Camden Burd, another recipient of Grace H. Magnaghi researcher’s grant will give a dissertation at the Beaumier Heritage Center on the U.P. environment, and the effect it has had on our culture, along with his research on Henry Schoolcraft and his notes on the U.P.’s culture.
Burd’s exhibit on Schoolcraft does not officially open until Saturday, Oct. 26, but those in attendance will get a sneak peak preview of the exhibit after his speech, which will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Beaumier Heritage Center.
The fourth and final week will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Intramural Recreation Sports Association, which will be presented by the Recreation department at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the NMU Archives.
Jaime Ganzel, the NMU archivist said the NMU Archives is always available for the public’s interest.
“I think most of the community doesn’t know of the resources we have or that we even exist,” Ganzel said.
“But it’s important for everyone to know we’re here to help, whether it’s on their family, community or whatever anyone is interested in looking into.”
The NMU Archives is located in Room 126 of the LRC, and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment needed. Collections are also digitalized for research online at www.nmu.edu/archives.
“You don’t have to be a history student to come in and join us,” Ganzel said. “There are things here that will interest you.”
