LEELANAU COUNTY — A PBS documentary tracing Michigan’s transformation from Indigenous homeland to statehood will be screened as part of the Leelanau Historical Society’s America 250 programming.
The screening of Frontier to Freedom will take place at 6 p.m. July 16 in the Leelanau School Auditorium at 1 Old Homestead Road in Glen Arbor.
The programming commemorates the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The project invites communities to explore the people, places and events that shaped the nation while discovering local historical stories.
Produced by Manitou Films and directed by Keith Patterson, Frontier to Freedom traces the evolution of Michigan from a vast landscape inhabited by Indigenous peoples in the early 1600s to its admission as the 26th state in 1837. The documentary examines the wars, diplomacy, settlement and political decisions that shaped Michigan and the Great Lakes region through expert interviews, archival imagery, animated maps and cinematography.
Patterson will lead a question-and-answer session following the screening to discuss the research, filmmaking process and stories behind the documentary.
“Understanding Michigan’s early history helps us better understand our own communities,” Kim Kelderhouse, executive director of the Leelanau Historical Society, said. “The story of our state is one of diverse cultures, changing landscapes and complex relationships. Frontier to Freedom offers an engaging and thoughtful look at the events that shaped Michigan and provides important context as our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary.”
The two-hour documentary is recommended for history enthusiasts, educators, lifelong learners and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the past. The event complements ongoing programming by the historical society that explores how the history of Leelanau County connects to the broader American story.
Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased in advance at this link or at leelanauhistory.square.site.
More information about the program and other America 250 events can be found at www.leelanauhistory.org.