Events Calendar

Charlevoix Historical Society Events Calendar

Following are the scheduled programs and events of the Charlevoix Historical Society for 2018. (Subject to change.) If you need additional information, contact the Charlevoix Historical Society, 231- 547-0373 or info@chxhistory.com.

2024 Calendar of Events

January

Check back soon for a schedule of 2024 Winter programming.

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February

Free Movie at Charlevoix Cinema III: Mutiny on the Bounty

The Cultural Corridor (Charlevoix Public Library, Charlevoix Historical Society, and Charlevoix Circle of Arts) is hosting three free movies at Charlevoix Cinema III during the winter. The Charlevoix Historical Society has selected MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, a heavily fictionalized story of the real-life mutiny led by Fletcher Christian against William Bligh, Captain of the HMAV Bounty, in 1789. The movie starts at 6:00 p.m. and doors open at 5:30. Concessions will be available for purchase. No tickets are required. Come early to get a good seat!

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)
Charlevoix Cinema III
107 Antrim St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

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Free Zoom Program: Ordeal on the Ice. The Earl Cunningham Tragedy presented by Geoffrey Reynolds

On February 8, 1936, Boatswain’s Mate Earl Cunningham interrupted his day off to come to the aid of two stranded fishermen after the ice they were fishing from broke loose and moved out into a Lake Michigan blizzard. Little did he know that he would soon become the only U.S. Coast Guard service personnel from the Charlevoix, Michigan station to lose their life in the station’s 122 years. Join local author and historian Geoffrey Reynolds as he gives an illustrated account of this important local event.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.

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Live Program: Boulders: The Life and Works of Earl A. Young  presented by Charlevoix Historical Society Curator, David L. Miles

In May of 2020, the Charlevoix Historical Society Press introduced its latest publication, BOULDERS, The Life and Creations of Earl A. Young in Charlevoix, Michigan.  This 173-pp., fully illustrated work is the first ever biography written about the man and his whimsical works, now known around the globe. This program, using many illustrations from the book including all of his structures, will concentrate on how it came to be written at this time, how it was organized and compiled, where the source materials needed to give Young full justice came from, and the challenge of summing up an extremely complex man who, by his own admission, could be difficult both to work for and with.  But he left an inspirational legacy to a small town that is unsurpassed, and the Earl Young Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix have long been one of the top attractions in northern Michigan.

Sunday, February 18, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m.
Charlevoix Episcopal Church
200 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720

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March

Free Zoom Program: Great Lakes Steamships North American & South American presented by Charlevoix Historical Society Manager/Curator, Trevor Dotson

In an illustrated program complete with vintage footage, Charlevoix Historical Society Manager of Operations Trevor Dotson will cover the history of sister passenger ships the North American and South American which made regular stops in Charlevoix for nearly five decades.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.

 

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April

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May

Live Program: Charlevoix’s Allie Moore: World Roller Skating Champion and Local Boat Builder presented by Charlevoix Historical Society Curator, David L. Miles

Charlevoix Historical Society will present a fully illustrated program on the colorful life and works of native son Allie Moore.  Location: the historic Train Depot on LakeCharlevoix at Depot Beach, Chicago Avenue.

Born in 1883. the immensely gifted natural athlete became national and world roller skating champion after the turn of the century, titles he held for almost a decade.  Beginning in 1909 as world champ, on tour Moore exhibited his astonishing roller skating tricks around the world.

Moore returned to Charlevoix in 1913 to begin leading a colorful. adventuresome life as a swimming and seamanship instructor, constructor of a series of vessels, and pleasure boat captain, plus giving more roller skating exhibits whenever and wherever invited into middle age.  He became one of the most colorful, admired, and beloved characters that Charlevoix has ever known.  Some of the tales regarding Allie Moore are hilarious. 

No admission charge, but donations to the Society are always appreciated. 

Thursday, May 16, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Charlevoix Train Depot
305 Chicago Ave.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

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June

Live Program: Mayhem at Midnight: Disaster Aboard the Propeller Champlain presented by Charlevoix Historical Society President, Geoffrey Reynolds

Geoffrey Reynolds, a local author and historian, will share the story of the burning of the propeller Champlain off Fisherman’s Island on Jun 16-17, 1887, and its aftermath for the 56 passengers and crew, 21 of which perished that night. Reynolds has spent years researching and writing about the incident and will include the latest findings. 

Monday, June 17, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.
Charlevoix Public Library
220 W. Clinton St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

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July

Live Program: A Cloud Over the Land: The Hidden History of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians presented by Deborah Richmond

Deborah Richmond, historian of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will share the story of the Burt Lake Band and the event in 1900 that stripped the Band of their reservation land known as the Burt Lake Burnout. Embark on a historical journey as Richmond unveils the captivating tale of the Burt Lake Band Burnout. Immerse yourself in the rich narrative as she masterfully recounts the challenges faced by this resilient community as their homes were burned by the local sheriff and a land developer interested in selling their property around the up-and-coming resort area of Burt Lake.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.
Charlevoix Public Library
220 W. Clinton St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

 

Live Program: History of the Charlevoix Bridges presented by Charlevoix Historical Society Curator, David L. Miles

To mark the 75th anniversary of the dedication of Charlevoix’s current lower channel bridge on July 30, 1949, the Charlevoix Historical Society will be presenting a program on the sequential appearance of all six of the town’s highway bridges. Charlevoix Historical Society curator David L. Miles will narrate a fully illustrated overview of how the town first crossed a narrow channel on a wood plank structure in 1859, then how one bridge led to another up to the newly refurbished giant in place today. Comedy, tragedy, hair-raising close calls and a colorful cast of characters all make up the many unique tales these bridges have to tell.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.
Charlevoix Public Library
220 W. Clinton St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720

 

Venetian Potluck – For Society Members and their Guests

Friday, July 26 at 7 pm
Charlevoix Train Depot
305 Chicago Ave.

Hot dogs, condiments and lemonade provided by the Historical Society.  Bring a dish to share, your own tableware and stronger beverage if you wish.  Stay for the fireworks on Depot Beach!

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August

Live Program: Charlevoix Street Names presented by Charlevoix Historical Society Manager of Operations, Trevor Dotson

Charlevoix Historical Society Manager of Operations, Trevor Dotson will discuss the people, places, and occasionally things, for which our local streets are named, including famous individuals, early pioneers, and local families. He’ll cover how certain streets’ names changed over time, how some streets don’t exist anymore, and the history behind some other local place names.

Tuesday, August 27 at 7 pm
Charlevoix Train Depot
305 Chicago Ave.

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September

Roots and Boots – a Hoedown Benefitting the Charlevoix Historical Society!

Thursday, September 26 from 6-9 pm

Shanahan’s Barn, Charlevoix Country Club

$125 per person, includes dinner & two drinks, entertainment by Horton Creek Band, other fun things to see and do!

Reserve a table for eight people with your name on the reserved sign for $1100. 

Sponsorships available.   Tickets:  http://www.chxhistory.com/hoedown  

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October

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November

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 December

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All events are open to the public except the Venetian Potluck. Programs at the Depot are offered at no charge for members and $5.00 for non-members, unless otherwise noted.

The Charlevoix Historical Society is a non-profit organization whose objective is to bring together people who are interested in the history and heritage of the Charlevoix area and in the protection and preservation of places and objects of historical value. The Society sponsors many events throughout the year to which the public is invited.

These public event dates and times are subject to change. All events should be confirmed by calling the Charlevoix Historical Society at 231-547-0373.