The day was meant to educate visitors on the economics of the late 1600s in Upper Michigan
MARQUETTE -- Families visiting the Marquette County Regional History Center Saturday learned why the beaver was so important in the late 1600s here in the U.P.
Turns out, beavers had an enormous monetary value, in fact, beaver fur is what Native Americans and voyagers traded for other resources. The history lesson was all part of Voyager Day at the museum. Native American craftsmen and artisans showed off their work, including a canoe that was in the works all week. The day was meant to educate visitors on the economics of the late 1600s in Upper Michigan.
"You learn about the people, the culture, the resources and the economics of the time and how the Ojibwa got items, trade items they were really interested in obtaining and how the voyagers got wonderful resources from the Ojibwa such as the beaver furs and other pelts," said Museum Educator Betsy Rutz.
Staff at the museum also reenacted the trades.
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