NMU Logo on bricks

The Political Life Exhibition

The lives and work of the Upper Peninsula’s greatest politicians will be on display beginning on Friday, February 21, in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center’s new exhibition, “The Political Life.” There will be an opening reception for the exhibition from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, February 21 in the Beaumier Center’s gallery in Gries Hall on the campus of Northern Michigan University. Admission to the reception and exhibition are free to the public. The exhibition will be on display at the Beaumier Center through June 28, 2025.

Ever since the Upper Peninsula became part of the State of Michigan in 1836, its history has been full of fascinating, powerful and even controversial figures in State, National and even International politics. These included politicians such as Chase Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, the only Michigan governor from the U.P.; State Representative Dominic Jacobetti from Negaunee, who dominated Lansing for several decades; Connie Binsfeld of Munising, who became Michigan’s first female Lieutenant Governor; the colorful and controversial Joe Mack, State Senator from Ironwood; Cora Reynolds Anderson, the first woman and Native American to be elected a State Representative in Lansing and many others.

In addition, there will be a section dedicated to the various President’s of the United States who came to the Upper Peninsula, before, during and after their terms in office. Teddy Roosevelt visited the Upper Peninsula twice within one year, first to campaign for presidential run in 1912 and several months later to testify in his liable suit against the Ishpeming Iron Ore editor, George Newett. Four presidents have visited the U.P. during their term in office; William Henry Taft in 1911, George H. Bush in 1992, George W. Bush in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2011.

The Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center is a historical museum and educational facility on the campus of Northern Michigan University. The mission of the U.P. Heritage Center is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through an active slate of exhibitions and engaging public programs for the whole region. The center also collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of Northern Michigan University. The center maintains a gallery in Gries Hall and several other displays throughout campus. The Heritage Center is part of Academic Affairs and has partnerships with several other departments.  It provides interdisciplinary programs and internships for students across the university spectrum.


Friday, Feb 21, 2025

Start Time:  5:00 pm
End Time:  7:00 pm

Event Place

Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center

Event Status

Scheduled

Primary Contact

Dan Truckey

Contact Phone Number

906-227-3212

Contact Email

heritage@nmu.edu

Ticket Cost

Free