Youth Photography Exhibit at the Calumet Visitor Center

The National Park Service would like to invite the community to a special exhibit opening at the Calumet Visitor Center this Friday, September 7, 2018 at 6:00 pm. “My Neighborhood, My Heritage” features the photographs of area youth who learned about, and then documented, six local towns this past summer.

More than 70 local kids participated in the My Neighborhood, My Heritage program, in which they learned about photography, explored the history of local communities, and then documented their perspectives using disposable cameras. They were given the freedom to take 27 pictures of scenes, buildings, or details that captured their attention and reflected their point of view.

My Neighborhood, My Heritage was hosted by Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association. The program, developed initially in Detroit, actively engages youth in learning about their local communities and expressing their perspectives through photography. Park Ranger Nick Clark led the participants on historical walking tours, gave them tips on taking photographs, and helped them capture the essence of a place through photography. Kathleen Harter, the park’s Chief of Interpretation and Education, is looking forward to the exhibit. “I’m excited to see what caught their attention in each community,” she said. “Maybe their photographs will help us see familiar things in a new light or perspective, or highlight places that don’t get as much notice,” she said.

The exhibit is part of Calumet’s First Friday events and activities and will take place at the National Park Service’s Calumet Visitor Center, located at 98 Fifth Street in Calumet, Michigan. Participating youth can pick up their photo packets from the park beginning at 6 pm. During the event, there will also be prize drawings for several digital cameras, courtesy of the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association. Participating youth need not be present to win but are encouraged to attend.

Please call 483-3042 or email: nick_clark@nps.gov with any questions.  For more information about Keweenaw National Historical Park and other park events and programs, contact park headquarters at 906-337-3168, or check the park webpage at www.nps.gov/kewe.