Standard First Edition
The Standard First Edition of The City on Three Lakes is a museum‑quality hardcover volume, limited to 650 unnumbered copies and available for sale at $225 plus applicable shipping, handling, and tax. This substantial work measures 9.75 × 12 inches and includes over 875 illustrations across 682 pages. Published by the Charlevoix Historical Society under the Mission Point Press imprint, it is printed in the United States by a leading art‑book press and produced to fine‑press standards.
Donor's First Edition: Nos. 51-100
The Donor’s First Edition consists of fifty individually numbered and signed copies, numbered 51–100. Each volume is bound to the same fine‑press standard as the Standard First Edition and includes a hand-tipped vellum limitation page. This edition is available exclusively to donors giving $3,000 or more to the Charlevoix Historical Society.
Benefactor's First Edition: Nos. 21-50
The Benefactor’s First Edition comprises thirty individually numbered and signed copies, numbered 21–50. Each volume is produced to the same fine‑press standard as the Standard First Edition, with donor‑exclusive features including a hand-tipped vellum limitation page and an enclosure. This edition is available exclusively to donors giving $5,000 or more to the Charlevoix Historical Society.
Philanthropic First Edition: Nos. 1-20
The Philanthropic First Edition includes twenty individually numbered and signed copies, numbered 1–20. Each volume is bound to the same fine‑press standard as the Standard First Edition, including a hand-tipped vellum limitation page and a handmade enclosure. This edition is reserved for donors giving $10,000 or more to the Charlevoix Historical Society.
Support and Impact
Proceeds from the sale of the Standard Edition support the current operating needs of the Charlevoix Historical Society’s Museum at Harsha House.
Gifts at the Donor, Benefactor, and Philanthropic levels sustain the Society’s curatorial and educational mission today and in the future, with the majority of each gift directed to the Bob Miles Endowment Fund at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.
Collector’s edition copies are crafted to order and require additional time for delivery.
Collections Editions: Make a Qualifying Gift.
A Landmark Book Supporting a Lasting Legacy
The City on Three Lakes is the centerpiece of a new initiative to strengthen support for the Charlevoix Historical Society's Museum at Harsha House through the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Fund, established by the Charlevoix Historical Society at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.
The Charlevoix Historical Society welcomes gifts of any amount, each one helping to secure our future. A limited Collector’s Edition of The City on Three Lakes is available to supporters as a special acknowledgment of their generosity when making qualifying gifts to the Charlevoix Historical Society at the Donor ($3,000–$4,999), Benefactor ($5,000–$9,999), and Philanthropic ($10,000 and above) levels.
For donors wishing to receive a Collector’s Edition book, and while these editions remain available, sixty percent of each qualifying contribution made to the Charlevoix Historical Society will be directed to the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Fund. One copy from the numbered edition is provided per gift, corresponding to the highest level of contribution. Only a limited number of each of these first Collector’s Editions will ever be produced, and they will not be reissued.
About the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Fund
The Bob Miles Operating Endowment at the Charlevoix Community Foundation was established as a permanent source of income dedicated to the ongoing operations of the Museum at Harsha House.
The objective of this fund is to strengthen the essential work that keeps the museum active, accessible, and strongly focused on its curatorial and educational mission.
The fund honors Bob Miles, Charlevoix’s preeminent photographer from 1931 to 1972, whose extraordinary body of work forms the core of the Museum at Harsha House’s collection and who set a standard of stewardship that continues to guide the Charlevoix Historical Society today.
Supporters wishing to explore the details of the campaign may review the Campaign Prospectus.
Collector's Editions of The City on Three Lakes are offered in recognition of the generosity of supporters who choose to help secure the museum’s future and are available only while they last.
FAQ: The Bob Miles Operating Endowment Campaign
& the Publication of The City on Three Lakes
What is the purpose of this campaign?
This campaign is dedicated to building the Bob Miles Operating Endowment, a permanent fund maintained by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. The endowment provides long‑term, sustainable support for the ongoing operations of the Museum at Harsha House.
How does The City on Three Lakes relate to the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Campaign?
The City on Three Lakes was created to honor and build upon the legacy of Bob Miles, advancing the future of the museum he helped shape and cared for so deeply. In connection with the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Campaign, special Collector’s Editions of the book are offered as a meaningful acknowledgment of donors whose gifts help strengthen the museum’s long‑term future.
What is the difference between the Standard Edition and the Collector’s Editions?
The Standard Edition is available for purchase on the Buy the Book page. The Collector’s Editions are exclusive, limited issues with special features not included in the Standard Edition. They are offered only as acknowledgments of donor support at the Donor, Benefactor, and Philanthropic levels and are not available for sale.
How do I make a qualifying gift?
Gifts may be made directly to the Charlevoix Historical Society. Instructions for completing a qualifying gift are included in the Bob Miles Operating Endowment Prospectus.
How does my gift support the Charlevoix Historical Society?
Sixty percent of each qualifying gift made to the Charlevoix Historical Society is directed to the Bob Miles Operating Endowment. The remaining forty percent supports the current operating needs of the Museum at Harsha House. Gifts made directly to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation are not eligible for a Collector’s Edition.
What qualifies me to receive a Collector’s Edition?
A single gift of $3,000 or more qualifies the donor to receive one Collector’s Edition corresponding to the highest level of their contribution.
What are the giving levels?
-
Donor — $3,000–$4,999
-
Benefactor — $5,000–$9,999
-
Philanthropic — $10,000+
Each level corresponds to a distinct, numbered Collector’s Edition.
How many Collector’s Editions will be produced?
Only 100 total copies of these first Collector’s Editions will ever be produced. They will not be reissued.
Can I choose which numbered copy I receive?
Numbered copies are assigned in the order that gifts are received and are subject to availability. Specific numbers cannot be reserved.
Can I receive more than one edition for a larger gift?
No. One Collector's Edition book is provided per qualifying gift, regardless of amount.
Can I buy a Collector’s Edition without making a gift?
No. Collector’s Editions are offered exclusively as acknowledgments of donor support.
Where can I purchase the Standard Edition?
The Standard First Edition is available on the Buy the Book page.
Where can I learn more about the campaign?
Supporters wishing to explore the campaign in greater depth may review the full Bob Miles Operating Endowment Prospectus.
Where do proceeds from the Standard Edition go?
Proceeds from the sale of the Standard Edition support the current operating needs of the Museum at Harsha House, including future programming, exhibitions and publications, in furtherance of its educational and curatorial mission.
Is my gift tax‑deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowed by law. The value of the edition received will be noted in your acknowledgment letter.
Can my employer’s matching gift program be applied?
Employer matching gifts may increase the impact of your contribution. Please consult your employer’s program guidelines for applicable restrictions.
Will my gift be publicly acknowledged?
Donors may choose to be recognized or remain anonymous.
How long will it take to receive my Collector’s Edition?
Collector’s editions at the Benefactor and Philanthropic levels are crafted to order and may require additional time for delivery. Contact the Charlevoix Historical Society for further information.
© 2026 Charlevoix Historical Society
The City on Three Lakes is proudly
published by Mission Point Press
