June 21 through August 21, 2008
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Wilkins, Copper Harbor

Time-travel to summer 1870, as costumed interpreters portray the daily life of men and women stationed at Fort Wilkins.

You'll meet Private Jonathan Holmes, post laundress Kate Holmes, Second Lieutenant Richard Mueller and his wife Juliette, and Quartermaster Sergeant Patrick O'Neill-characters based on actual members of the 1870 garrison. These portrayals, including the characters' attitudes, opinions and the smallest bit of gossip, are based on extensive historical research.

Photo caption: A costumed interpreter portraying Private Jonathan Holmes tells a young visitor about "fatigue duty" (work details) as he saws cordwood for the fort's woodstoves.

Role-playing interpretation is presented by
the Michigan Historical Museum System
in cooperation with
Northern Michigan University.

This presentation is free of charge. For more information, please send us an e-mail or telephone (906) 289-4215; TDD, (517) 373-1592.

Fort Wilkins—part of the Michigan Historical Museum System—is located within Fort Wilkins State Park; a Michigan State Parks motor-vehicle permit is required for park entry. The fort is just east of Copper Harbor, in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. Here's more information about how to find Fort Wilkins.

Updated 05/12/2008

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
Use and Reproduction Information [PDF]
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