Benzonia Academy Lecture Series: “Reading the Glacial Record: How Three Generations of Scientists Revealed Michigan’s Ice Age”

Description

“Reading the Glacial Record: How Three Generations of Scientists Revealed Michigan’s Ice Age”

Presented by: Steve Veatch

November 12, 2026, 4 pm

Mills Community House & ZOOM

Beneath Michigan’s forests, farms, and shorelines lies a story written in ice.  This lecture explores how geologists learned to interpret this hidden record over three transformative generations.  Participants will follow the evolution of discovery: from the rugged, horseback expeditions of Frank Leverett and Frank B. Taylor in the early 1900s, to Helen M. Martin’s influential mid-century mapping, and finally to William Farrand’s modern integration of Michigan’s glacial past.  Along the way, we trace the shift from hand-drawn sketches to the sophisticated digital tools environmental scientists use today.

**Please note a change in the start time to 4 pm.**

Presenter: Steve Veatch

Originally from Colorado, Steve Veatch and his wife moved to Michigan, where he continues to enjoy the outdoors, research, and write about history.  Steve volunteers for the Benzie Area Historical Society, works in the archives room, scanning photographs and documents into the online catalog, and serves as vice president of the Board of Directors.

This presentation is part of the Benzie Area Historical Society’s Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, held on the second Thursday of each month.  Admission is by donation; a $5 donation is recommended.

To learn more about the November 12th lecture, visit the Benzie Area Historical Society’s website, benziemuseum.org, Instagram, or Facebook page; call the Museum at (231) 882-5539; or email info@benziemuseum.org.