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Upper Peninsula History Conference

The Upper Peninsula History Conference explores regional history and celebrates the heritage of the host area, which moves to a new location in the U.P. every year.

Discover the unique history of the Upper Peninsula

2024 Upper Peninsula History Conference Booklet Cover

75th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference
Sault Ste Marie - June 21-23, 2024

Each year, the Historical Society of Michigan hosts a conference tailored only to U.P.-based history. Join HSM this summer in Sault Ste. Marie! Founded in 1668, the "Soo" is Michigan's oldest city, and one of the oldest in the United States. Explore histories spanning hundreds of years at our annual Upper Peninsula History Conference, from early European contact to history still in the making. 

This conference is a casual, relaxed event for all!

The 2024 Conference Content

From keynotes to tours, this weekend filled with history is a treat to the history buff and historian alike. Join us for the following and more!

2024 UPHC Keynote

The Black Robes: Jesuits in the Upper Great Lakes

Jesuit missionaries played a significant role in the history of the upper Great Lakes. As evangelists and explorers, they introduced the Christian faith to Indigenous peoples and provided some of the earliest European observations of the region. Join the speaker for a complex look at Fr.

2024 UPHC Session

Moose on a Mission: Restoring a Population

In the 1980s, Michigan traded wild turkeys for moose with Ontario in order to revitalize the U.P.’s moose population. 59 moose were translocated via truck and helicopter in an event known as “the moose lift.”

2024 UPHC Tour

Valley Camp & Views Tour

Join the Historical Society of Michigan for one of two Friday afternoon tour excursions! Explore an exhibit-packed Great Lakes freighter, then visit the Tower of History to see the locks from a picturesque view. 

The Woman Behind Governor Osborn: Chief of Staff Mary Hadrich

2024 UP History Conference Keynote Highlight - Mary Hadrich

In 1911, Mary Hadrich made history when she became the first woman to serve as private secretary to a Michigan governor. Both Yoopers, Hadrich and Governor Chase Osborn brought a unique perspective to the Capitol, where Prohibition, state spending, and suffrage were hot topics. Throughout their decades-long partnership, Osborn placed remarkable trust in Hadrich, who deftly steered his business ventures and political aspirations while soothing complicated family dynamics.

The Black Robes: Jesuits in the Upper Great Lakes

2024 UP History Conference Keynote Highlight - Jesuits

Jesuit missionaries played a significant role in the history of the upper Great Lakes. As evangelists and explorers, they introduced the Christian faith to Indigenous peoples and provided some of the earliest European observations of the region’s geography, environment, and native cultures. Join the speaker for a complex look at Fr. Jacques Marquette and other Jesuit missionaries and the lingering impacts of their interactions with the Indigenous people.

Unlocking the Industrial Midwest: An Illustrated History of the Soo Locks

2024 UP History Conference Keynote Highlight - Soo Locks

The Soo Locks are one of fewer than 3,000 National Historic Landmarks and are one of America’s engineering marvels. Michelle Briggs, chief park ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the locks, will share the history of this constantly changing historic site, with deep dives into historic photos and a look at history in the making with a new lock currently under construction.

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 on 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

76th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

Dates TBD 2025
Location TBD

Recent Conferences

74th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

June 23-25, 2023
Iron Mountain/Kingsford, MI - Kingsford High School


73rd Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

June 24-25, 2022
Virtual
Program


72nd Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

June 25–26, 2021
Bay Mills/Brimley, MI – Virtual
Program


71st Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

June 19-21, 2020
Bay Mills/Brimley, MI – Cancelled


70th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference

June 28-30, 2019
Escanaba, MI – Bay College
Program

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.