Topics! In no particular order...

They are a critical piece of infrastructure and iconic pieces of architecture, join historian Andrew Kercher to find out more about these sentries on the lake shore. Learn the how and why of some of the most famous lights that have guided everything from 1,000 foot freighters to sailboats on the Great Lakes since the 1820s. Hear stories of ever-changing technology, government corruption, German saboteurs and lifesaving rescues! There is more than meets the eye with these beautiful landmarks. 

Examine the history and the present of the Straits of Mackinac. Visited by millions, Mackinac is a special place for many Michiganders. Hear the incredible history from the indigenous peoples to fur trade and logging to 19th century battles to fudge production! What is it like to wear the wool uniforms and fire muskets for a living? Also, hear tales from behind the porch! What was it like to live on the island in the winter and work security for the Grand Hotel? A very popular presentation!

Once the pinnacle of luxury automobile, Packards are now usually only seen at car shows. Trace the history of one of the world's great car companies from a spite filled origin to becoming the cars of senators, presidents and kings to desperate attempts to modernize and save the brand. What is the legacy of Packard? What made them so great? Are they the most beautiful thing on wheels? 

There have been 46 Presidents of the United States, but how many do you really know? We are all familiar with Washington and Lincoln, but how about Fillmore or Arthur? Pull these former leaders from the dustbin of history and find out about what makes these men interesting and how they helped to shape the nation we have today! 

Although few have heard of it, anyone who hears the story will never forget it. The SS Eastland was the greatest loss of life in a maritime disaster on the Great Lakes when she flipped onto her side in the Chicago river in 1915. If the Titanic is the story of hubris, the Eastland is a tale of unintended consequences. Hear the ill-fated tale from construction, sinking, salvage and legacy. 

I’ll see you at High Noon! Were there really ever any street shootouts in the old west? Who was the fastest gun? How likely would you need a tombstone in Tombstone? The Wild West is big, really big. So big, that stories quickly become legends, and legends turn into myth. Hear what’s real about the American Wild West, and what’s just another campfire story…and sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! 

Why do we have a leap day ever 4 years? Why are there 60 seconds in a minute and not 100? Or seven days in a week? Why is February so short? Will we ever be done springing forward and falling back? Get the low down about something we deal with ever day: time!  

A behind the scenes look at the fascinating history of Museums. From examples in the ancient world, to the major institutions of the Enlightenment-era to the carnival like attractions of P. T. Barnum, museums have attracted the interest of millions over the years in every corner of the globe. What is it like to work at one? What major controversies exist in the field? Everything you’ve wanted to ask and more! 

A history of curious cases when mysterious creatures turned out to be all too real! Everyone knows famous Cryptids like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, but there are many more mysterious creatures around the world! From not-so-extinct fish to animals now common to zoos the world over; hear the stories of animal demystification. If you described a kangaroo to someone who had never seen one before, would they believe you? 

Can you imagine being imprisoned on Mackinac Island? For some today it might sound like a dream come true, but in the 1860s it was all too real for a trio of Confederate sympathizers. Hear their stories and the tales of the men recruited to guard them on one of the most beautiful prisons in Michigan history.

This presentation examines the ever changing world of men’s fashion. What’s in style? What’s not? An extra emphasis has been placed on helping to narrow down the time period of that old undated photo or painting. This has proved to be very popular with genealogical and family history research groups! 

Preston Tucker was ahead of his time. In his quest to build the car of tomorrow, did he dream too big, or was there more at work to bury any competition from the BIg Three. Hear the fascinating life story of the man and the famous car.

Shipwrecks are fascinating to divers, historians and anyone with an imagination that's been near the lakes on a stormy day. Different wrecks can tell stories of courage and heroism, but also of cowardice and greed. They can also be used as a way to see the changing nature of shipping on the Great Lakes and the evolution of Michigan, from territory to frontier state to modern times. 

Thomas Edison is the most famous inventor to have ever lived. Did you know about his many Michigan connections? Although born in Ohio, he spent his formative years in Port Huron, a time that would shape Edison’s entire life, and change the world we live in today. Did Edison really invent all of the things credited to him? Get the real story behind the War of the Currents, and separate Edison Myth from Edison Fact! 

This presentation takes a look at the life and buildings of America’s foremost industrial designer of the 20th century. Everyone has seen some of his masterpieces, hear the story behind them and take a closer look at why Kahn’s legacy endures. 

Flint is mostly known for its 2014 Water Crisis. However the city also has a much more vibrant history full of triumphs and tragedy. Learn all about what was once the 2nd largest city in Michigan. 

The Thumb fire of 1871 is little heard of as it happened  the same night as the Great Chicago Fire while the 1881 fire led to the birth of one of the  most important aid organizations in the world and revealed ancient secrets hidden under centuries of brush and overgrowth. Hear the stories of these forgotten tragedies and how they shape up still today.

Edsel is a name that conjures images of a famous failed car. But Was the car really a failure? What about Edsel Ford, the auto's namesake? Having lived in his father's shadow, what do we know of Henry's only son and his many accomplishments? Learn more about this fascinating part of auto and Detroit history!

 The Great Depression was one of the largest challenges the people of the UNited States ever faced. With the election of Franklin Roosevelt, the voters of the country signaled a desire for a radical change, and hundreds of government programs were rolled out to combat the grave economic situation. WPA! CCC! NRA! HOLC! TVA! Some of the programs are still well known or even active today, while others have become obscure. What were these programs, and did they work?

Fort Gratiot is mostly known today as the name of Michigan's oldest lighthouse, but it was a military installation that guarded the mouth of the St. Clair River into Lake Huron from 1814 to 1879. Hear stories about the how and why of the fort, as well as famous residents, and the exciting life of the Fort's namesake.  

 Michigan has 129 of them, but how do they work? Join us to shed light on  the latest advancements in navigational aids and maritime safety. This  informative session will explore the evolution of lighthouses from  traditional structures to modern, technologically advanced beacons. From  the early use of lenses and mirrors to the incorporation of electricity  and automation, the lecture will highlight key milestones and  innovations that have shaped the history of lighthouse technology. 

The Rouge was synonymous with Industry. The crown jewel in Henry Ford and Ford Motor’s concept of vertical integration, raw materials could flow into one end of the complex, while finished cars would drive out the other in a seemingly magical accomplishment of industrial might. This came at a cost, however, both on the tens of thousands of works, as well  as the very land where the factory sat.  

 An engaging lecture exploring the triumphs and tragedies of polar  exploration, where bravery and determination meet the harshest  conditions on Earth. Discover the remarkable stories of daring  adventurers who pushed the boundaries of human endurance, from  groundbreaking successes to devastating failures. Learn about the  historical significance of these expeditions and the lessons they  continue to teach us about resilience and the pursuit of discovery.