Russell Magnaghi
Russell Magnaghi was born in San Francisco in the middle of World War II, but has lived in Michigan's Upper Peninsula since 1969. Magnaghi received his education at the University of San Francisco (BA 1965) and at St. Louis University (Ph.D. 1970). Magnaghi has had a 45-year teaching career at Northern Michigan University and also served as director of the Center for Upper Peninsula Studies. He has written many journal and newspaper articles and books and has given talks on local heritage and regional history.
Alcohol Drinking in the Upper Peninsula
Dr. Russell Magnaghi gives a detailed overview of the history of alcohol regulation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
We have all heard the rhyme “The Twelve Days of Christmas” set to music, but what we are not familiar with is its serious purpose when it was written. Dr. Russell Magnaghi explains its history and what the twelve parts of the song originally meant.
The Upper Peninsula’s Ukrainian Heritage
Historian Dr. Russel Magnaghi gives an overview of Ukrainian heritage in the Upper Peninsula, and through this exploration he answers the question “did Ukrainians settle in the Upper Peninsula?”
The Jesuits Open the Upper Peninsula to the World
Historian and author Russell Magnaghi gives a fascinating overview of how the Jesuits explored the Upper Peninsula area in the 17th and 18th centuries and their great contributions to expanding the knowledge of the region’s environment and people.
My Memories of John X. Jamrich
NMU History Professor Emeritus Dr. Russell Magnaghi shares some of his memories of the late John X. Jamrich, NMU’s third-longest serving president. Jamrich passed away February 20, 2022 at the age of 101.
“Lost” Labor History of the Upper Peninsula
Historian and author Russell Magnaghi gives an overview of the early labor history in the Upper Peninsula, spanning from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
Buffalo in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Historian Russell Magnaghi gives a fascinating overview of the history of buffalo in the Upper Peninsula.
Christmas Comes to the Upper Peninsula
The observance of Christmas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a remarkable 361-year chronicle of transformation. Read Dr. Russell Magnaghi’s history of Christmas in the UP and the holiday traditions various immigrant groups practiced, which have all influenced how people celebrate Christmas in the UP today.
Gender and Factory Work in the Upper Peninsula – Part Two
In Part Two of this two-part series, Dr. Russell Magnaghi explores gender and employment jobs during the industrial development of the Upper Peninsula’s mining regions: the Marquette, Menominee, and Gogebic Iron Ranges, as well as the Copper Country.
Gender and Factory Work in the Upper Peninsula – Part One
A thorough history of the non-mining industries in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has not been fully developed over the years, and the story of female factory workers has rarely been mentioned. Part One of this two-part series by Russell Magnaghi provides new insights into the history of women’s heritage in this region.
