June 10, 2009

Plan now to be at Hartwick Pines State Park on Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m. to see Michael Deren's very popular "Past in Person" program about the lumberjacks (or shantyboys, as they called themselves) in northern Michigan in the 1870s. This highly entertaining program of music, song, and stories is sponsored by the Logging Museum at Hartwick Pines, a field site of the Michigan Historical Museum, and the friends of Hartwick Pines. It will take place at the amphitheater at the Logging Museum within the park, eight miles northeast of Grayling.

Journey into the past through the music, songs and tales of the lumberjacks who helped build America in the 19th century. This multi-faceted, audience-centered program will educate, delight and enthrall all who attend and promises to get you on your feet! Michael Deren will portray a lumberjack from northern Michigan in the 1870s as he takes his audience back to the time when they were "cutting the big sticks." He will play the concertina, fiddle, hammer dulcimer, bones, button accordion and limber toys and share songs and stories of life in the logging camps.

In the event of rain, the program will be held at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. Hartwick Pines State Park is located on M-93 (Hartwick Pines Rd.), two miles east of I-75, exit 259. There is no charge for this program, but a state park motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park. The daily permit is $6, and a yearly permit is $24 for Michigan residents; the non-resident charge is $8 for a daily and $29 for an annual permit. For more information, please contact Hartwick Pines State Park at (989) 348-2537.

Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is jointly operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division and the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).

HAL is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).