The Great Women of Mackinac

Great Women of Mackinac: On Stage

Step into the rich history of Mackinac Island as the remarkable women—and men—of the 19th and early 20th centuries come to life on stage. Inspired by Melissa Croghan’s Great Women of Mackinac and also written by Melissa herself, this original theatrical piece brings together trailblazers like Elizabeth Mitchell, Madeline Marcot LaFramboise, Therese Marcot Schindler, and literary voices such as Constance Fenimore Woolson and Margaret Fuller. Through their stories of courage, intellect, and community leadership, audiences will experience the drama, humor, and heart of a pivotal era in Mackinac’s history—an unforgettable celebration of the women who shaped a community.

• Elizabeth Bertrand Mitchell – influential local figure and bridge between early settler and Indigenous communities.

• Madeline Marcot LaFramboise – fur trader and entrepreneur, a key figure in the Great Lakes trading networks.

• Therese Marcot Schindler – another important member of the fur-trade family, navigating commerce and community.

• Captain Benjamin Pierce – often a historical military or maritime leader connected to the region.

• Dr. David Mitchell – medical practitioner, community leader, and mentor in Mackinac society.

• Constance Fenimore Woolson – writer who chronicled the island’s life and culture in literature.

• Margaret Fuller – prominent American intellectual and early feminist, linking Mackinac to broader cultural and literary movements.

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