Collections Management
Mackinac State Historic Parks collects objects to preserve and interpret the history of the Straits of Mackinac and Upper Great Lakes. The collections of Mackinac State Historic Parks fall into three broad categories: archaeological objects, historical objects, and archival objects. Specific to Great Lakes fisheries, this library houses the original fish bill from the Chapman and Gray Company on Mackinac Island dated 1853.
Researching Mackinac History
Mackinac State Historic Parks is pleased to make its historical resources available to researchers. All access is coordinated through Registrar Brian Jaeschke at 231-436-4100 jaeschkeb@michigan.gov
Historical Research
Petersen Center Library, Mackinaw City Mackinac State Historic Parks maintains a library of books, research files, photos, maps and microfilm on Mackinac history. The materials are accessible at the Petersen Center Library in Mackinaw City. The library is open to researchers by appointment, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. It is a non-circulating research library, not a general collection. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance. Use of the library is free of charge.