Fishtown Preservation
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We Are Fishtown Preservation

What Is Fishtown

Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats along the Leland River in Leland, Michigan. The heart of a commercial fishing village, Fishtown is where we can still see and feel a connection to the long tradition of Great Lakes maritime culture.

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What We Do

Fishtown Preservation Society exists to assure public access to Fishtown and to maintain its historical integrity, working waterfront, artifacts and stories through preservation, education and stewardship.

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You Can Help

Few places are as real as Fishtown. Here we can preserve a living link to a long Great Lakes maritime heritage, as well as to our own families and memories. We want to ensure that Fishtown remains alive for future generations. Your participation will make all the difference for Fishtown.

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Fishtown Preservation a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that preserves and manages the Historic Fishtown site. For more info and to donate visit:

As our final Art Shanty artists of the year, we’ As our final Art Shanty artists of the year, we’re thrilled to welcome back Larissa McGinnity and Mark Engelsman of St. James Pottery to Fishtown. Hailing from Beaver Island, Larissa and Mark bring a stunning mix of hand-thrown and wheel-thrown pottery, with glazes seemingly inspired by the charm and character of nature and life by the water.  From everyday favorites to pieces made especially for tug lovers, each creation is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Visit through October 20th to see their beautiful ceramics up close!
River view from the Joy. Does the river look reall River view from the Joy. Does the river look really low or is it just us?!?! 🧐
Monday, October 13, 2025 marks the national celebr Monday, October 13, 2025 marks the national celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Join the Leland Cultural Campus Partners from 12:30–4:00pm for an afternoon honoring and sharing the culture and art of the local Anishinaabeg.
This free event is open to everyone—come learn, honor, and celebrate together.
We’re thrilled to have @artist_debra__howard th We’re thrilled to have @artist_debra__howard  this week at Art Shanty!

Debra's life and art have been defined by light, color, and adventure. After years as a successful illustrator in San Francisco, she traded her studio for a sailboat — spending nearly three decades painting her way through the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond.

Her introduction to northern Michigan came as the artist-in-residence at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and she fell in love with the region. Today, Debra divides her time between the Eastern Shore and northern Michigan, capturing each landscape’s unique beauty.

Her plein air paintings glow with rhythm, energy, and vibrant color. And if you’re driving through Leelanau County, you just might spot her on the roadside — brush in hand — painting the hills, wildflowers, water, and sky. She brought many paintings of the area you'll recognize!

Come meet Debra in the Art Shanty through October 13th and see her stunning work in person! 

If you're not able to come in person, you can find Debra online at https://www.debrahoward-artist.com/
Beautiful weekend on deck!Hope you can make it.
❤️from Fishtown
We’re excited to share that @montaguetileworks We’re excited to share that @montaguetileworks  has even more stunning pieces on display at Art Shanty this weekend. When Jessica left Detroit, a kiln full of tiles was still finishing—but thanks to a special delivery from her husband, we now have the complete collection here, including some fish tiles and her beautiful field tiles.

This gorgeous fall weekend is the perfect time to stop in and see her remarkable work in person.
We’re excited to welcome Montague TileWorks to A We’re excited to welcome Montague TileWorks to Art Shanty!

Detroit-based ceramic artist Jessica Montague brings her love of color, design, and craftsmanship to handmade ceramics and slipcast tiles. Her work is both beautiful and functional, with each piece carrying her signature mix of playfulness and precision.

One of Jessica’s specialties is custom house tiles—she transforms a photo of your home into a one-of-a-kind ceramic tile. While she’s here, she’ll be taking custom orders for these special tiles, along with other unique creations. It’s a rare chance to commission a piece that’s truly personal—whether for yourself or as a meaningful gift.

Stop in to meet Jessica, watch her process, and take home something beautiful. Jessica will be in Fishtown through October 6th.

Explore more of her work at: montaguetileworks.com
Have you heard the news? We are pleased to announ Have you heard the news? 
We are pleased to announce exciting developments for FPS and our long, quiet search for a permanent place from which to care for Fishtown. 
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Thank you to Craig Manning at the Leelanau Ticker for helping us spread the word. LINK IN BIO or ~
https://www.leelanauticker.com/news/fishtown-historic-society-buys-lelands-van-raalte-house-plans-new-operational-center/
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Or visit our website for more information: LINK IN BIO or ~ https://www.fishtownmi.org/van-raalte-house-purchase-and-renovation/
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