Fourth Thursday in History: Photographing Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula

Replaced by an automated light, the scenic Copper Harbor Lighthouse features exhibits for visitors to Fort Wilkins State Park.

NPS Photo, Dan Johnson

News Release Date: August 24, 2006

Contact: Abby Sue Fisher, [phone]

The Keweenaw’s crystal-clear waterfalls, historic neighborhoods, and glorious autumn leaves make for interesting subjects, but taking frame-worthy pictures requires more than just great scenery. Join author and photographer Charles Eshbach at Fort Wilkins as he offers tips for capturing photographic memories of the area, and shares some of his own pictures of the Keweenaw.

Eshbach has over 40 years of experience as a photographer. He started his career with the Associated Press in 1963, but left journalism to become Michigan Technological University’s first University Photographer in 1967. Shortly after arriving in the Copper Country, he became involved with the effort to establish the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in 1968, and he remains an active member of the Michigan Nature Association and the Isle Royale Natural History Association. Working independently since the early 1980s, Eshbach has led photographic field seminars throughout the area, and is keenly aware of the peninsula’s obvious – as well as hidden – beauty. His presentation will challenge people to become aware of the Keweenaw’s unique range of light, and will use his own photos to illustrate how it may be captured in photographs.

The presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday August 24th in the Company Quarters (West Barracks) at Fort Wilkins State Park, located just east of Copper Harbor off U.S. Highway 41. This event is free and open to the public, but please note that a valid Michigan state parks pass, or a daily entry fee, is required to enter the park.

This presentation is sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park’s Fourth Thursday in History program and the Fort Wilkins Summer Evening Programs series.

The Fourth Thursday in History series arranges public presentations on important aspects of Copper Country history and techniques for historic preservation. Presentations are scheduled in venues throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula, particularly in historic sites associated with specific topics, and are free and open to the public.

For further information, including specific directions to this event, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at 906/337-3168 or check the web at www.nps.gov/kewe.

Future Fourth Thursday in History Events:
Stabilizing Quincy’s Company Houses
September 28, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Quincy-Franklin-Hancock Twp Fire Hall, 49850 U.S. Highway 41, Hancock

Mining the Isle Royale Lode
October 26, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Houghton High School Auditorium, 1603 Gundlach Road, Houghton