Carter, James L.
October 17, 1935—
Place of Birth: Marquette, MI
Place of Principal Residence: Marquette, MI
Biography:
James L. Carter was born to Cecille and Forest Carter in Marquette, MI on October 17, 1935. In 1961 he earned his BA in History at Aquinas College, followed by his MA in 1967 at Northern Michigan University. Between earning his BA and MA, Carter was a teacher at Sacred Heart School and Spring Lake Public Schools. When he graduated from Northern, Carter took over the University’s position of Assistant Director of Research and Development. Eight years later he became Director of the University Press until his retirement in 1996. His experience in journalism goes back to graduate school, where he worked as a reporter for the Mining Journal in addition to his studies. Carter’s first book, Grand Marais: Voyageurs’ Harbor was published in 1967, followed by other works including historical and book review articles for magazines and newspapers. Currently, Carter devotes his time to editing books on Great Lakes history. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Marquette, MI and have two children: Emily and Catherine.
Selected Works
- Grand Marais: Voyageurs’ Harbor (1967)
- The Grand Island Story (1974)
- The Story of Caribou Island, Lake Superior (2001)
Awards:
- 1978 Award of Merit, Historical Society of Michigan
- 1980 Superior-A State for the North Country
- 1991 Helen Longyear Paul Memorial Award, Marquette County Historical Society
- 1991 Charles Follo Award, Historical Society of Michigan
- 1996 Northern Michigan University Press Award
- 1997 Center for Native American Studies Humanitarian Award
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Carter has devoted most of his life to researching and writing about the history of Michigan. In addition to publishing many of his own books on the topic, Carter reviews works of those who do the same.