Besser Museum For Northeast Michigan

06/24/2026

Only two more days until Log Cabin Day on Saturday, June 27, from 12–4 p.m.!

The museum is buzzing with activity as we get ready for the big day. This morning, staff members Nicole Page and Isabel Rudy swept away dust bunnies and bravely battled a very mean-looking spider while preparing our historic buildings for visitors.

Join us on Log Cabin Day to explore these historic buildings (now spider-free!) and enjoy a fun afternoon at the museum. Your visit helps support our mission of preserving and sharing local history.

06/22/2026

Today we celebrate the remarkable dedication of Jim Johnson, retired DNR fish biologist, unwavering advocate for the Great Lakes, and champion of education and preservation. Jim devoted his research career to Lake Huron, working alongside a remarkable team aboard the DNR research vessel Chinook.

When the vessel was retired in 2016 and entrusted to the Besser Museum as part of the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Exhibit, Jim didn’t step away, he stepped forward. Joining the Museum’s Board of Trustees, he partnered with retired Chinook captain Tuffy Cross to ensure that the vessel’s story, and the vital work it represents, would continue to inspire generations.

For the past decade, Jim’s passion has brought to life a one-of-a-kind exhibit that highlights both the beauty of our fisheries and the very real threats they face. Through his efforts, countless visitors have gained a deeper understanding of invasive species and the ongoing work of the Department of Natural Resources to protect and sustain these invaluable ecosystems.

Perhaps most inspiring is Jim’s commitment to education. Alongside Tuffy, he has shared his knowledge and firsthand experiences with hundreds of students across Northeast Michigan, igniting curiosity, respect, and stewardship in the next generation.

And while Jim’s professional contributions are extraordinary, what means the most to him is sharing this work with those closest to his heart. Among all the visitors he’s welcomed, the moments spent guiding his daughters and grandchildren through the exhibit stand out as the most special of all.

Jim Johnson’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and deep love for the Great Lakes. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, his leadership, and the inspiration he continues to provide to our community.

Saturday, June 27, as part of Besser Museum's Log Cabin Day event, Jim and Tuffy will host the public grand opening of the newly completed Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Exhibit.

06/22/2026

06/20/2026

It's almost here... Log Cabin Day Saturday, June 27 from 12 - 4pm.
The event offers activities for all ages focused on early life in Northeast Michigan. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for Besser Museum members. Planetarium shows are $1 per person.
Visit the exhibits indoors and then go outside to explore the buildings in the Historical Village that will be open for tours, including a wedding exhibit in the Spratt Church. The one-room schoolhouse will be staffed by members of Delta Kappa Gamma. Descendants of John McKay will host the McKay log cabin. Railroad history expert Ron Cady will share information and photos, and historian Tim Kent will present on early fur traders.
Tuffy Cross and retired DNR fish biologist Jim Johnson will lead guided tours aboard the 1928 Katherine V commercial fishing tug and the retired DNR Chinook Research Vessel. Hammond Bay Biological Station will host an educational booth with live sea lampreys. MSU Sea Grant, NEMIGLSI, and the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Network are partnering through an America250MI grant to offer fishing heritage art projects and activities.
Demonstrations will include Keith Knetch from Native Ways Traditional Arts, LLC, as well as spinning, weaving, and blacksmithing. Gennie Morgan of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians will present traditional drumming demonstrations with interactive components.
The fossil park will be open for visitors to collect Devonian fossils. Family activities include face painting.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, including the annual favorite strawberry sundaes while supplies last, along with hot dogs and popcorn.
For more information, call 989-356-2202 or visit www.bessermuseum.org.

06/19/2026

The 50th anniversary of the Alpena Bi-Path is being celebrated this year with dedication of two new sculptures: “The Eagle Has Landed” by Ann Gildner (located at County Courthouse) and “In The Eye of the Beholder” by Autum Bildson (located at City Hall). The first art installation on the path was the “Sculptural Fountain” by Glen Michaels at the Besser Museum in 1979, and is an iconic image for the quality of life in Northeast Michigan and the commitment to art in public spaces. The Thunder Bay Arts Council started the “Alpena Sculptural Walkway” and continues its Art Vision Alpena project with more sculptures to come! In addition, later this year, the Besser Museum will be adding nine two-sided signs that showcase Alpena history and takes you on a scaled-down solar system walk along the Bi-Path. We’ll let you know when we launch the “Alpena Planet Path” and “History Hike” as we celebrate America’s 250th! ⭐We hope to see you on the 4th of July Birthday Party “Jubilee” after the parade at Alpena City Hall for free ice cream, old fashioned fun and games, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and more!

06/18/2026

📸Then and now! Yesterday, Besser Museum staff joined the community on the lawn of Alpena City Hall to celebrate the dedication of the Thunder Bay Arts Council's new Bi-Path sculpture, Eye of the Beholder, created by Autumn Bildson. It was a beautiful day honoring art and commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial. Here is a look back at a similar celebration during the dedication of the cannon from the battleship Maine at Alpena City Hall on July 4, 1912.

06/17/2026

Museum will be CLOSED today, Wednesday, June 17, for Staff Development Workshop and to attend the dedication of two sculptures – Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence & the 50th Anniversary of the Alpena Bi-Path. ⭐Public is welcome to attend the ceremonies, starting at 10am at County Courthouse lawn for "Eagle Landing" sculpture dedication, then🚶🚴‍♀️to City Hall lawn for hot dogs, apple pie, music, and "Eye of the Beholder" sculpture dedication from 11am-12pm. We hope to see you there celebrating the arts in our community!

06/11/2026

Please Plan Ahead... Planetarium shows for Saturday June 13 are cancelled.⭐But be sure to look west after sunset the next couple of nights and you might be able to see a bright, mini planetary alignment of Venus (highest), Jupiter (middle), and Mercury (lowest to horizon), without a telescope!

06/10/2026

Museum will be CLOSED Wednesday, June 17, for Staff Development Workshop and to attend the dedication of two sculptures – Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence & the 50th Anniversary of the Alpena Bi-Path. ⭐Public is welcome to attend the ceremonies, starting at 10am at County Courthouse lawn for "Eagle Landing" sculpture dedication, then🚶🚴‍♀️to City Hall lawn for hot dogs, apple pie, music, and "Eye of the Beholder" sculpture dedication from 11am-12pm. We hope to see you there celebrating the arts in our community!