Our History

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EXPLORE HISTORY

​Museum of Ojibwa Culture & Father Marquette Mission Park
The city-operated museum and park uncovers the vivid history of life during the 1670's when the Ojibwa, Huron and French lifestyles met in Saint Ignace. Museum exhibits show Ojibwa culture and traditions, the first contact with the French and the site's rich archaeological past.

We provide both indoor and outdoor exhibits which allow you a glimpse into the Ojibwa culture and the lifestyles of the Huron. This is also where the French Jesuit Mission was located where Father Marquette resided and is is the final resting place for Father Jacques Marquette.

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Our beautiful building is 182 years old this year! The city-operated museum and park portray a vivid picture of life in the Straits of Mackinac over 300 years ago when Ojibwa, Huron, Odawa and French lifestyles met at this protected bay. Museum exhibits show Ojibwa Indian culture and traditions, the French contact period and the site's rich archaeology. Outdoor exhibits and a long house explain Huron life here and you are invited to pay your respects at the burial site of Father Jacques Marquette, explorer and Jesuit priest who founded St. Ignace.

The mission site is registered as a Michigan State Historic Site (MSHDA), as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and in the National Register of Historic Places (NPS). The museum is also the winner of the 2011 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Community Award and has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for the 2017 season.
Admission is by donation and 100% of the donations goes to the upkeep of the 181 year old church building.
Photographs are permitted in all of the exhibits and we, of course, always welcome service dogs.