MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will open a new exhibit on the importance of historic preservation in communities. “Lost and Found: Historic Structures of the U.P.” will feature more than 40 buildings from throughout the region that have either been lost or restored for continued use. An opening reception with drinks and snacks is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in 105 Cohodas Hall. The exhibition will continue through September. Admission to the center is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Communities throughout the United States are recognizing the importance of historic preservation. Every town has lost structures due to fires, neglect or urban renewal. Not all historic buildings can be saved, yet communities that have created historic districts and preserved important structures save not only the past, but also a sense of place and commercial viability. This exhibition will delve into these ideas, looking at important U.P. structures that have been lost and how that affected the respective communities.  Historic preservation success stories will also be featured. Some buildings once considered “eyesores” or even dangerous were restored and have become centerpieces of the community. 

To create this exhibition, the Beaumier Center sent requests to historical societies and museums throughout the Upper Peninsula, asking them to nominate buildings. This resulted in dozens of contenders, though not all could be featured.