Events & Lecture Series
Looking for free family activities in Mackinaw City? Want to learn about local history? Look no further.
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS) is proud to offer a vibrant lineup of free events and lectures that bring history to life for families and visitors in Mackinaw City. From engaging guest speakers and local historians to hands-on programs and seasonal celebrations, MAHS events create welcoming spaces where curiosity is encouraged and learning is shared across generations.
2026-27 Events & Lecture Schedule
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November Lecture Series | Mackinaw City American Legion Post 159
Nov 9 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL
Join us to learn about Mackinaw City’s American Legion Post 159. The American Legion Post 159 stands for “Veterans serving Veterans and their families.” Learn how they’ve supported the unique needs of the community here in Mackinaw City.
Speakers: Mike & Tom
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Annual Christmas in the Village Event
Dec 5 2:00-4:00PM | Heritage Chapel
Step back in time and experience the warmth and wonder of a 19th-century Christmas. The Village will come alive with festive spirit — crackling fires in period hearths and docents dressed in traditional attire. Free family event.
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January Lecture | To Be Announced
Jan 11 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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February Lecture | To Be Announced
Feb 8 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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March Lecture | To Be Announced
Mar 8 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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April Lecture | To Be Announced
Apr 12 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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May Lecture | To Be Announced
May 10 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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June Lecture | To Be Announced
June 14 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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National Log Cabin Day Celebration
Sunday, June 27 | Heritage Village
Get ready to celebrate America's log cabin heritage! Join us at Heritage Village for a special day honoring the craftsmanship, stories, and traditions behind America's historic log cabins. We're putting the finishing touches on the festivities, so stay tuned for more details. There's a whole lot of history to uncover, one log at a time!
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July Lecture | To Be Announced
July 12 7-8:00pm | MAPL
This month’s MAHS lecture topic is still being written into the history books! Stay tuned for details… we promise it’ll be worth the wait.
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Annual Pet Parade | Heritage Village
Friday, July 30 | Heritage Village
Get ready for our annual Heritage Village Pet Parade, where furry, feathered, and scaly friends (and their humans!) take center stage. Whether they're dressed to impress, showing off their best tricks, or simply stealing hearts, it's sure to be a tail-wagging good time. Stay tuned for event details — we can't wait to see who has the most historic bark in town! 🐾
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Annual Heritage Village Historic Festival
Saturday, July 31 | Heritage Village
Mark your calendars! One of Heritage Village's most beloved traditions is returning! As the cornerstone event of Heritage Village, this is a summer celebration you won't want to miss. We're busy making history (and planning a little fun along the way), so stay tuned for dates, activities, and more details!
Have a programming idea?
Have a topic you’d love to learn about? A type of hike you’d like to take? Or…would you like to become a guest lecturer or hiking lead? We’d love to hear from you.
The Lecture Venue: Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL)
Our lecture series is brought to you free of charge, thanks in part to, the Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL).
MAPL Address: 117 S Main St, Mackinaw, IL 61755, United States
Lectures are hosted in the back room; accessed after hours through the rear entrance. Questions? Contact Us.
Missed An Event ?
All the Mackinaw Area History, all whenever is convenient for you. Our YouTube Channel allows you to time travel back and attend events you missed. Happy viewing!
Attend Virtually
Interested in attending the lecture series but can’t get there in person? No, problem. We might be a historical society but we’ve embraced the digital age. Join us on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 879 6673 5454
Passcode: mahsevent