Parks Buy Whistler Collection

The $60,000 Whistler Collection is being purchased by Mackinac State Historic Parks to secure the painting, pistols, and medallion before they are sold to someone else. Donations are being sought to fund the purchase.

In the interim, the agency will borrow the money from its restricted funds account.

In June, Mackinac Associates, the friends group supporting Mackinac State Historic Parks, said it would match, dollar for dollar, any donations the park receives toward the purchase, up to $25,000.

The collection includes a portrait of William Whistler, who was a commandant at Fort Mackinac in 1833, a commemorative medallion, and two of Commandant Whistler's pistols. It is owned by a Canadian antique dealer and, once acquired, will be included in the exhibit, "An Island Famous In These Regions," at Fort Mackinac.