Mackinac State Historic Parks is closing out its winter “History at Home” series with a story that quite literally moved a community.

On Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m., Chief Curator Craig Wilson will present Moving to Mackinac Island: The Sloop Welcome via Zoom. The program is part of the America250 Celebration and marks the final installment of this season’s popular virtual series.

The talk will explore a pivotal moment during the American Revolution, when the mainland settlement of Michilimackinac relocated to Mackinac Island. In an extraordinary effort, residents transported homes, businesses, and entire structures across six miles of water to establish what would become the Island’s enduring fort and downtown.

At the center of that story is the sloop Welcome, a vessel built for merchant John Askin that played a critical role in the move. Wilson will dive into the ship’s unique history, including its unexpected second chapter in the 20th century.

The program is open to the public for $10, with registration required in advance. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before the event.

Supported by Mackinac Associates, the “History at Home” series has offered an accessible way to stay connected to Mackinac’s rich past during the winter months. This final program offers a fitting conclusion, bringing viewers back to one of the Island’s most defining moments.