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Michigan History Conference

Our fall conference explores Michigan’s history and offers a close look at the heritage of the host area.

Explore different regions of Michigan history

Michigan History Conference Booklet Cover

150th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference
St Joseph/Benton Harbor - September 26-29, 2024

Traveling to a new host location in the Lower Peninsula each fall, the Michigan History Conferences explores unique regional history in the form of keynote presentations, content sessions, immersive local tours, educational workshops, exhibits, and more. Attendees return to this event year after year to explore new-to-them local history as our event travels throughout the state.

Stay tuned to this space for information on the 2024 event. 

The 2023 Content

From keynotes and content sessions to local tours and open houses, the Michigan History Conference is a one-of-a-kind weekend experience. The Historical Society of Michigan explored Roscommon and Grayling, Michigan, and the surrounding area's history. The 2023 content included...

Higgins Lake CCC Camp Workshop

Workshop: Exploring the Higgins Lake CCC Camp

Visit the site of the original Higgins Lake Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and compare historic maps and photographs with remnant structural foundations and ornamental vegetation.

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Rock 'N Roll Legends in Michigan Keynote

Great Lakes’ Greatest Hits: Michigan’s Rock and Roll Legends

Many rock ‘n’ roll icons came from, or lived in, Michigan—taking their experiences in the Great Lakes State with them as they chased stardom on the road and introduced their sounds on a national stage.

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Fred Bear Session

On Target: The Fred Bear Story

“Fred Bear” is legendary in the world of archery and synonymous with the city of Grayling for those who bow hunt. Explore the influence of his advertising and how it put Grayling on the map.

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Calling all Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Michigan Vendors!

Are you a Michigan-based entity with a passion for supporting Michigan's culture or history? Are you a Michigan business looking to reach history enthusiasts and active Michiganders? Join the Historical Society of Michigan as a conference sponsor, exhibitor, or vendor. There are many different types of partnerships available. Please click the Become an Exhibitor link below or call (800) 692-1828 to speak with a member of our team today. 

Women standing at an exhibit at a conference

Future Conferences

150th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 26-29, 2024

St. Joseph & Benton Harbor, MI

Recent Conferences

149th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 22-24, 2023
Roscommon and Grayling, MI – Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center

148th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 23-25, 2022
Albion, MI – Albion College

147th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 24–25, 2021
Lansing, MI – Virtual

146th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

October 2–3, 2020
Lansing, MI – Virtual

145th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 27-29, 2019
Ludington, MI – West Shore Community College

144th Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 21-23, 2018
Sturgis, MI – Sturges-Young Auditorium & Civic Center

143rd Annual Meeting and Michigan History Conference

September 22-24, 2017
Holland, MI – Hope College

Michigan History and Chronicle magazine

Get the most out of Michigan's history

If you're considering attending one of our conferences, or are already an attendee, we encourage you to check out our HSM membership program. With significant discounts to all of our conferences and events, the membership is a great way to save and enjoy all of our additional history content. All HSM members receive conference discounts, free access to weekly History Hounds® live lectures and previously recorded lectures, both Michigan History and Chronicle magazines, and more. 

Questions? 

We'd love to help! Reach out to our HSM staff today at hsm@hsmichigan.org or by calling us at (517) 324-1828.