Split Rock: Come to a host of birthday parties

Enjoy First Friday programs and other events this summer and fall at Split Rock. Reservations are required for the events to ensure seating. First Friday presentations take place at the visitor center theater at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Make reservations online at www.mnhs.org/firstfridays or call Split Rock at (218) 226-6372.

May 7

- Dennis O’Hara, Photographing Split Rock in All Seasons

Photographer Dennis O’Hara presents a stunning video collection of his photographs of Split Rock Lighthouse, artistically arranged, complemented by recorded piano music by Mary Beth Carlson and created as the official photography DVD of the Split Rock Centennial. O’Hara will also talk about his background in photography, answer audience questions and offer tips on photographing the iconic lighthouse.

June 4

- Bill and Kate Isles, An Evening of Music

Popular northern Minnesota singers and songwriters Bill and Kate Isles offer a concert of original songs on topics ranging from Duluth, the Iron Range and the North Shore to life in general, all presented with a helping of Minnesota humor.

June 12

- Open house, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A free open house held in conjunction with the State Parks Open House. Visitors can enjoy the historic site’s regular program and explore the surrounding Split Rock Lighthouse State Park free of charge.

June 26

- Children’s day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tours geared for children highlight this popular annual event. Visitors will hear stories of the children who have lived at the light station, join in special games and participate in activities, including period crafts, art contests, chalk drawing on the sidewalk and a foghorn sound-alike contest.

July 2

- Charlie Maguire concert

Charlie Maguire, master songwriter, singer and music educator, offers songs of Minnesota from his career as official “Singing Ranger” of the National Park Service, as “Centennial Troubadour” of the Minnesota State Parks centennial and 10 years of appearances on the Prairie Home Companion. Acoustic guitar, thoughtful folksongs, Minnesota history and Charlie’s good humor combine.

August 6

- Cathy Wurzer, Highway 61 history

Cathy Wurzer, host of Twin Cities Public Television’s “Almanac” and MPR “Morning Edition” on the radio presents gems from her research on Highway 61 history, accumulated for her book, “Tales of the Road: Highway 61.” Her illustrated talk will be filled with fascinating stories about the historical features found along the highway.

Sept. 3

- Lee Murdock, Music for Split Rock Light

Dedicated to preserving, performing and promoting the music of the Great Lakes, Chicago-area folk master Lee Murdock delivers both classic and new songs of sailors, ships, lighthouses, storms and life ashore in a style reminiscent of folk greats Stan Rogers and Burl Ives.

Oct. 1

- Thom Holden, Tales of Two Storms

Thom Holden, director of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, presents an illustrated talk on two great storms on the lake and the ships that were lost: the November 1905 “Mataafa Blow” that saw the loss of or damage to 29 ships and, 70 years later, the “Edmund Fitzgerald Storm.” Holden is a recognized authority and lecturer on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Nov. 5

- Mark Seeley, Great Minnesota November Storms

University of Minnesota climatology professor, author of “The Minnesota Weather Almanac” and MPR personality Mark Seeley offers a look back at the weather that made history: the 1940 “Armistice Day Storm,” the 1975 “ Edmund Fitzgerald Storm.”

Nov. 10

- Annual Beacon Lighting to Commemorate Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald

This annual event at Split Rock Lighthouse, noon to 6 p.m., commemorates the 1975 sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald. A film will be shown in the theater continuously throughout the afternoon.

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