Discover the unique history of the Upper Peninsula

The 74th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference
Iron Mountain - June 23-25, 2023
Each year, the Historical Society of Michigan hosts a conference tailored only to U.P.-based history. For the 74th Annual U.P. History Conference, we are heading to Iron Mountain! Join us for a fun, casual event atmosphere with keynotes, content sessions, tours, delicious food, and more. Register for the conference today!
The 2023 Conference Content
From keynotes to tours, this weekend filled with history is a true treat to the history buff and historian alike. Join HSM and dive into the Upper Peninsula's history like never before! Samples of our content are below, followed by in-depth descriptions of our keynotes.

Hounds in History: Yooper Dogs at Work and Play
Inspired by the four-legged friends that grace the history of Michigan, this keynote will provide a glimpse at dogs in the Upper Peninsula from the late 1800s onward. From sled dogs that ran postal routes to faithful family companions, this session will offer anecdotes coupled with rich images.

Soiled Doves: Prostitution on the Menominee Range
Prostitution played a significant role in many mining and logging areas. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Menominee Iron Range—with a red-light district known as “The Midway” and notorious figures such as Old Man Mudge—was no exception.

Industrial Roots: Cornish Pump & Mining Museum
Join an experienced guide to learn about the largest U.S.-built steam-driven pumping engine, and tour the mining museum and adjacent local history museum. This tour is one of the exciting options available during our Friday conference content!
The 2023 Keynotes
The Lost Whalebacks: Barge 129 and Sagamore

The ships that came to be known as “whalebacks” were the brainchild of maritime visionary Alexander McDougall. Fewer than 50 of the unique vessels were built—and two came to grief along Lake Superior’s “Shipwreck Coast.” Discover the stories of Barge 129 and the Sagamore, the details of their sinkings, and how they were ultimately discovered in Superior’s cold depths.
Hounds in History: Yooper Dogs at Work and Play

Inspired by the four-legged friends that grace the history of Michigan, this keynote will provide a glimpse at dogs in the Upper Peninsula from the late 1800s onward. From sled dogs that ran postal routes to faithful family companions, this session will offer anecdotes coupled with rich images. “Dogs at Work and Play” will show why these endearing creatures are man’s best friend— and one of his best muses!
Cass and the Copper Country: The 1820 Expedition

Unlike the travels of Lewis and Clark, Marquette and Joliet, or LaSalle, the 1820 journey of Lewis Cass and his party has largely fallen from public memory. Cass’s expedition opened up millions of acres of land in the Upper Midwest—setting the stage for settlement and resource exploitation, as well as conflict with Native peoples. This presentation will offer a contextual view of the expedition, its participants, and its lasting impacts on the region’s environment and Indigenous peoples.
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.

Future Conferences
75th Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference
June 20-23, 2024
Sault Ste Marie, MI – Location TBD
Recent Conferences
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

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.