Northern Michigan University plans to honor the legacy of the missionary and explorer for which the college town receives its name, Jacques Marquette. While traveling along the shores of Lake Michigan back to a mission in St Ignace, Marquette passed away near what is today Ludington, May 18th, 1675.
The day following the anniversary of Marquette’s death, the university will attend the Father Marquette 350th Commemoration in Jamrich Hall. The event will include a variety of presentations about Marquette, Jesuit missions in the Upper Peninsula, and the legacy of catholic missions left behind. Alongside other speakers is Catholic scholar, Bronwen McShea, author of Apostles of Empire; The Jesuits and New France. One presentation will offer the perspective of the Anishanebee people and forced Christianization, with Dr. Jud Sojourn, and Director of the Center for Native American Studies Tyler Detlof.
The commemoration will conclude with a screening of The Return. A documentary film exploring the recent return of some of Marquette’s remains to St Ignace in 2022.
The event is free to attend.
Those interested in learning more can find details here.
