Great Women of Mackinac

Great Women of Mackinac: A Reader’s Theater Drama

Friday  August 21  7:00 – 8:00. Reception to follow

Step into the rich history of Mackinac Island as the remarkable women—and men—of the 19th century come to life on stage. Written by Melissa Croghan and inspired by her book, Great Women of Mackinac, this original drama brings together trailblazers like Elizabeth Mitchell, Madeline Marcot Laframboise, Therese Marcot Schindler, and literary voices such as E.T. Baird, Constance Fenimore Woolson and Margaret Fuller. In this woven history, audiences will experience the humor and heart of a pivotal era in history. Come see an unforgettable celebration of the women who shaped the Mackinac community.

• Elizabeth Bertrand Mitchell – A town leader, fur trader and farmer. A mystery surrounding some of her actions.

• Madeline Marcot Laframboise – a highly successful fur trader who experienced great loss, and finally - joy

• Therese Marcot Schindler – A humanitarian and entrepreneur who gave jobs to many islanders in her maple sugaring and fur trading business.

• E.T. Baird – Her mixed-race heritage and life on Mackinac led to a memoir with fascinating character studies of Mitchell, Laframboise and Schindler.

• Captain Benjamin Pierce – An officer at the fort who married into a famous Ojibwe family

• Dr. David Mitchell – A prominent Mackinac doctor and husband of Elizabeth Mitchell. A man with a secret.

• ·Constance Fenimore Woolson – Influential writer whose passion for Mackinac led to her stories that chronicled the island’s life and culture

• Margaret Fuller – A famous American intellectual who befriended Madame Laframboise. In her writing, she linked Mackinac to broader cultural and literary movements.

Admittance fee $1 - Any and all funds raised benefit the Mackinac Island Arts Council