The Alcona Historical Society and the Alcona County Library present the Cabin Fever Lecture Series, starting on Thursday, Feb. 20. All programs are free of charge, and light refreshments will be provided.

The first lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Alcona County Library in Harrisville. “Historical Railroads and Alpena Architecture” will be led by Ron Cady. How did the railroads influence the architecture in Alpena? Find out some new historical insights with this program featuring vintage and contemporary images of Alcona County’s nearest “Big City.” Cady is a retired English teacher who has a lifelong interest in railroads, past and present. He enjoys rail travel, photography, and has written articles for magazines.

The second lecture will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 at Curtis Township Library in Glennie. Back by popular demand, the program is titled “Made in the Mitten: Savoring Michigan’s Rich Agricultural and Foodie History (with food samples).” It’s amazing how many Michigan products are in the “top five” of the United States. Come hungry, and feast on Michigan deliciousness. Dianna Stampfler is a professional writer, broadcaster, and public speaker. Her programs are lively and upbeat, providing an entertaining spin on historical elements of Michigan’s past, blended with pieces of the present, with an emphasis on preserving for the future. This Cabin Fever program is also supported by the Friends of Curtis Township Library.

The third lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 at Alcona County Library in Harrisville. “Ghost of the 1913 Storm: Discovery of the Steamer Hydrus,” will be led by David Trotter. Since the Great Storm of 1913, the 436-foot steamship Hydrus had been lost in Lake Huron. It sank, most likely on Nov. 9 of that year, during a storm so ferocious it has been called the “White Hurricane.” This recently discovered ship is the last and greatest loss (on the U.S. side) from that Great Storm. Trotter has been involved in Great Lakes shipwrecks — searching, diving, exploring and documenting new discoveries for over 40 years. The solving of “history’s mysteries” has made significant contributions to the story of our Great Lakes and provided exploration opportunities for sport and technical divers to enjoy.

The fourth lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at Alcona Township Hall in Black River. It’s the 50th Anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Ric Mixter will present photo images, past and present, and rare underwater footage from his visit to the Fitz in 1994. Mixter was awarded for 20 years of maritime preservation by the Association of Great Lakes Maritime History. He has produced over 30 shows on local history for PBS and the Outdoor Channel and has appeared on the History and Discovery Channel as a shipwreck expert. Energetic and animated, he has changed the way lecturers share history. Join the Alcona Historical Society for a light meal and a brief annual meeting highlighting their plans for a great 2025 summer season, followed by this amazing program.

All Cabin Fever programs are free of charge and provided by the Alcona Historical Society and the Alcona County Library. For more information, visit the Alcona Historical Society webesite at alconahistoricalsociety.com.