Michigan, particularly the Straits area, played an important role in the fur trade. Fort de Buade was established in 1683 to regulate and protect French fur trade interests; however, French fur traders had been coming to this area for decades prior to the arrival of the Jesuits and the fort. You may know the history of the fur trade, but have you ever thought about the fur traders?  Do you know what they were trapping or what tools they used? What items did they trade for the furs? Have you ever wondered about what personal items or supplies they brought with them?

Using objects from the MHS collection, Nick Barber will identify and discuss the tools of the fur trade and the life of the fur traders. This show-and-tell style program will give you the opportunity to see these historic tools up close and learn how they were used by the fur trader.

Click here to register for this free in-person presentation. Masks recommended.

Nick Barber is an educator with experience performing living history interpretation and traditional instruction teaching science, math, and history at Beaver Island Lighthouse School. He was also Camp Tapico program director for the Boy Scouts of America and worked for the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. Nick makes reproduction firearms, knives, and tools for exhibition and informal education.

This program is sponsored by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Library and Museum Services, and the St. Ignace Area Community Foundation.