Presented by: The Region of Three Oaks Museum

Director: Keith Patterson

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, join us for a fascinating journey into the history that helped shape our nation. Sponsored by the Region of Three Oaks Museum, Frontier to Freedom unearths the rich and often overlooked story of Michigan’s transformation from a vast frontier inhabited by Indigenous peoples in 1600 to its emergence as the 26th state in 1837.

Through expert interviews, archival imagery, animated maps, and stunning cinematography, the film explores the wars, conflicts, and political forces that shaped Michigan’s path to statehood and its place in the American story.

Following the screening, join writer, director, and producer Keith Patterson for a live discussion and audience question-and-answer session about the film, its research, and the stories that helped bring Michigan’s frontier history to life.

Presented in partnership with the Region of Three Oaks Museum, this special event offers a unique opportunity to explore our region’s past and reflect on 250 years of American history and independence.