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Exhibits from the lumbering and agriculture past of the area, including industrial records.
An authentic net she, built in 1906, houses our growing collection of memorabilia from the days when St. James' Harbor was teeming with commercial activity. At one time the water's edge was ringed with vessels of the fishing fleets and commercial traffic and the harbor was home for many, many a Great Lakes captain and crewman.
The Marine Museum opened in 1980 to tell the story of busy days in the harbor. Those times included not only fishing but also the end products of lumbering and milling. Also represented are memories of disasters which overtook the men and ships of the area and the efforts of the Coast Guard and Lighthouse Services which came to the aid of those in distress.
In this building you will also find material relevant to shipbuilding, the vessels which have served the island and diving activities.
Look also for information about the other islands in the Beaver archipelago.
By the water's edge, the society is restoring a wooden gill-net boat which fished northern waters since 1935. Donations to help the project are sought.
Open daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Check locally for weekend hours from mid-May to mid-June and in September. Other times by appointment. Both museums for one price: Adults/$3.00 and children/$1.00.
Built in 1950 (on the National Register) by the followers of King James Jesse Strang, our museum was first used as a print shop. The press and the people are long gone, but the stories of their stay have captured the imagination of many writers and many historians alike.
Here was published Northern Michigan's first newspaper as well as religious tracts and Strang's Mormon doctrines.
In this Kingdom of St. James, Strang was crowned as King of his people; he ruled their lives and accumulated five wives for himself. By the waterside Strang was mortally wounded by tow of his followers in 1856.
The Mormons were expelled form the island by a resentful mob which came across the lake to reclaim power in the region. So a dramatic kingdom ended.
The Print Shop is now the general museum for the Beaver Island Historic Society and houses the story not only of Strang but also of others who have lived on the island - Indians, the Irish who followed, the Mormons and a beloved citizen, "Doctor Protar".
Open daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Check locally for weekend hours from mid-May to mid-June and in September. Other times by appointment. Both museums for one price: Adults/$3.00 and children/$1.00.
Built of hand hewn logs, this cabin stands in a rural settling and looks as it did when famous "Doctor" Protar occupied it from 1903 until his death in 1925.
Descended from prominent educations in Estonia, Feodar Protar migrated to this country in 1874. He traveled, worked on the stage and edited a successful newspaper for many years before he found Beaver Island - the place he was to spend the remainder of his years. The rest of his life was spent in a spiritual journey in a modest environment. He wished to live form the produce of the land and was anxious to help his fellow men. Though he did not pose a physician, he found he could cure many of the simpler ailments of his neighbors on the island and earned their gratitude and respect. Protar never accepted money for his services but instead used his income to help any others in time of trouble.
When he died, his friends erected a tomb west of his home and its inscription still expresses the sentiments of the population: "to our Heaven-Sent Friend from his people of Beaver Island."
The exterior of his home, the grounds and the tomb (1/4 mile west) can be seen by all visitors. A special room in the Print Museum in St. James is devoted to his life.
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