AMERICAN FUR TRADING COMPANY
and DR. BEAUMONT MEMORIAL
PROS
A lot of people come through here.
The interpreter can answer questions.
CONS
Some of the carriage tour drivers like to tease you.
Be careful, many of the drivers’ facts are inaccurate.
HISTORY
This building was built in 1954 on the site of the America Fur Company’s former retail store. Dr. William Beaumont made many discoveries on the human digestive system by studying St. Martin’s stomach.
The understanding of the digestive process began in the early 19th-century on Mackinac Island. In 1822 French-Canadian voyageur Alexis St. Martin was accidentally shot in the stomach while inside the American Fur Company Store. The outcome seemed grim. However, Dr. William Beaumont, who was stationed at nearby Fort Mackinac, treated St. Martin’s wound with meticulous care. The hole leading into his stomach never completely healed over, leaving a virtual pathway into the science of the digestive process. With St. Martin’s continuing permission and support, Dr. Beaumont studied the digestive process for many years through the wound.
Position: Stand just outside the doorway.
If Raining or EXTREME heat: Move inside near doorway
INSTRUCTIONS
Bathrooms: Visitor’s Center~down Fort Street; it is the white building on the corner.
Tickets: Visitor’s Center; Kiosks~ Visitor’s Center, South Sally Ramp or Biddle House.
Water Fountain: Visitor’s Center
A lot of people come through here.
The interpreter can answer questions.
CONS
Some of the carriage tour drivers like to tease you.
Be careful, many of the drivers’ facts are inaccurate.
HISTORY
This building was built in 1954 on the site of the America Fur Company’s former retail store. Dr. William Beaumont made many discoveries on the human digestive system by studying St. Martin’s stomach.
The understanding of the digestive process began in the early 19th-century on Mackinac Island. In 1822 French-Canadian voyageur Alexis St. Martin was accidentally shot in the stomach while inside the American Fur Company Store. The outcome seemed grim. However, Dr. William Beaumont, who was stationed at nearby Fort Mackinac, treated St. Martin’s wound with meticulous care. The hole leading into his stomach never completely healed over, leaving a virtual pathway into the science of the digestive process. With St. Martin’s continuing permission and support, Dr. Beaumont studied the digestive process for many years through the wound.
Position: Stand just outside the doorway.
If Raining or EXTREME heat: Move inside near doorway
INSTRUCTIONS
- Introduce yourself to the interpreter on arrival. First Duty get clicker.
- You’re responsible for counting the guests on the clicker.
- Greet guests and welcome them to the museum. As people near the doorway, ask if they have their Fort Mackinac or Historic Downtown Mackinac ticket.
If they do not have a ticket, direct them to the Visitor’s Center or the Biddle House where they can purchase a ticket. The Historic Downtown Mackinac tickets include The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, American Fur Co. Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum, Biddle House, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and the McGulpin House. Guests can upgrade to the Fort Mackinac ticket for an
additional charge. - Be able to describe the building.
- Know how to direct guests to the Bark Chapel, McGulpin House, Mackinac Island Statet Park Visitor's Center, Biddle House, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and the nearest public restroom.
- Keep area tidy.
Bathrooms: Visitor’s Center~down Fort Street; it is the white building on the corner.
Tickets: Visitor’s Center; Kiosks~ Visitor’s Center, South Sally Ramp or Biddle House.
Water Fountain: Visitor’s Center