Arbic, Gulliver Historical Society win prestigious U.P. History Awards

SAULT STE. MARIE--On June 23, 2012, Dr. Bernard J. Arbic and the Gulliver Historical Society received the Historical Society of Michigan's top awards for the preservation of Upper Peninsula history at the 63rd Annual Upper Peninsula History Conference. Arbic, of Sault Ste. Marie, was awarded the Charles Follo Award, which is presented each year to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Upper Peninsula history. The award was established in 1979 to honor the memory of Charles Follo, an Escanaba teacher who promoted and helped advance historical understanding of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. For the past two decades, Arbic has devoted his time to a variety of projects that have preserved the history of Chippewa County and made that history both exciting and accessible to the general public. Starting with his first book, "Sugar Island Sampler" (1992), Arbic has authored six books on Upper Peninsula history and has published several articles in Michigan History and Lake Superior magazines. He has conducted numerous oral histories, curated several photography exhibits, and chaired a project that digitized most of the photographs and negatives in the Chippewa County Historical Society's (CCHS) archives. Most recently, he has served as chairman and lead writer for the CCHS project to install outdoor signage along Sault Ste. Marie's historic Water Street. Arbic also participates in the annual CCHS production of "Dinner with the John Johnstons," for which he has played the role of a voyageur as well as provided musical entertainment. He has also served as a docent at the John Johnston House, where he helped create a musical program for the museum's 2006 grand opening. Arbic's other projects have included the production of a teacher's guide on the history of the history of the Sault; countless presentations to school and civic groups; and serving as the advisor for film and news media documentaries. Also honored at the Upper Peninsula History Awards Banquet was the Gulliver Historical Society located in Schoolcraft County. The society received the Superior Award, which was established in 2006 to honor historical societies, museums, and other organizations in the U.P. for their efforts to advance U.P. history. Since organizing in 1987, members of the Gulliver Historical Society have created three 45-minute films, published three books, and restored a local cemetery. The society's centerpiece, however, is the Seul Choix (pronounced Sis-Shwa) Point Lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard leased the lighthouse to the organization, whereupon society members began an enormous restoration and renovation project. This has included moving an abandoned 1895 keepers' house back to the park; tuck pointing the lighthouse; restoring the fog signal building, boat house, and two brick oil houses; and putting in a parking lot, sidewalks, and picnic areas. The complex now includes a Coast Guard room, scale-model room, keeper's office, 30-seat theater, research library, and gift shop. Each year, about 20,000 visitors tour the buildings and exhibits or attend special events. The Charles Follo and Superior Awards are presented each year at the Historical Society of Michigan's Upper Peninsula History Conference. The Society will present its annual State History Awards at the 2012 State History Conference, scheduled for September 28-30 in Monroe. For more information about the Society's awards, visit www. hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828. Published: Mon, Jul 2, 2012