Category Archives: News from the Societies

Articles in this feature concern coming events, people and future plans of historical societies and museums from around the region.

News from the Societies

Bruce Catton Historical Awards Reception Celebrated Students April 8th

The Ninth Annual Bruce Catton Historical Award Reception was held at Mills Community House on Wednesday, April 8th.   Families of the freshman authors and community residents came to honor the young authors and their teachers, Ms. Rebecca Hubbard, English teacher, and Mr. Dave Jackson, history teacher who inspired the authors. The students were assigned to write about a special event in their life, trying to create a memorable experience that would delight an audience. The readings given by ten adult readers proved the students had succeeded. Similar to Bruce Catton’s memoirs that included many of his life experiences as he grew up in Benzie County during the early years of the 20th century (WAITING FOR THE MORNING TRAIN), the students included many descriptive details in essays that reminded their audience of similar experiences in their own lives. The final reader of the program, Bob McNabb, mentioned how many essays related to the wonderful waters that are such a big part of the lives of Benzie residents.

The students who were honored as the Top Ten Authors were: Sam Buzzell (Snow Day on Cliff Face), Gabe Johnson (Days Off), Shianne Knoch (Walking in the Footsteps of the Past), Peggy Morrow (Simple Things) Emily Perkins (A Pluviophile’s Dream) Genevieve Pomerleau, (What Goes Up Must Come Down,) Matthew Stefanski (A Cold Day on Lockhart Field) Keziah Stockdale (The Incident) Olivia Tomaszewsi (Fudgie to Local) , Bowen Stoops (Dredging).

Steve Elrick, President of the Mills Board of Directors, assisted Kay Bos, (Coordinator of the Awards) with presenting the awards. The First Place winner was Genevieve Pomerleau, Shianne Knoch took Second Place, and Third Place was awarded to Sam Buzzell. All students were presented with certificates for participating in the contest.

Shianne Knoch: 2nd Place, Genevieve Pomerleau:1st Place, Sam Buzzell: 3rd Place
Shianne Knoch: 2nd Place, Genevieve Pomerleau:1st Place, Sam Buzzell: 3rd Place

Members of the Mills Board of Directors served refreshments at the end of the program.

Deep appreciation to Kay Bos for the article, photographs, and for encouraging our children to be excellent in all they strive towards. Thank you also to Stewart A. McFerran for the header image, taken at the Bruce Catton Award Reception on April 8, 2015. On the far right is Kay Bos, Coordinator of the Bruce Catton Awards, then Steve Elrick, President of the Mills Board of Directors, with student winners.

News from the Societies

News from the Societies for April 2015

lifelunch

NMC – LIFE Lunch Series features “Legends of Traverse City”

This Life Lunch Series is held monthly on Fridays. Each session provides a casual atmosphere for highlighting people, places, and ideas of intrigue. You will also meet like-minded people and enjoy a buffet lunch. If you prefer, bring a brown bag. Beverages are provided.

You know the typical history of Traverse City — Perry Hannah as the “Father of Traverse City” and Captain Boardman purchasing the land we call Traverse City. But there are many tales and legends that helped shape our city. Join Maddie Lundy, as she guides us through a history of interesting facts and stories of the well- and lesser-known residents that made Traverse City what it is today.

Fri., April 17, Noon–1:30 p.m.
University Center Rm. 215/217
$19 with buffet, Code: 3296
$10 without lunch (bring your own), Code: 3297
LIFE Discount does not apply.

TO REGISTER, CALL (231) 995-1700

Elk Rapids Historical Society & Museum hosts “History of the Elk Rapids Fire Department”

chiefpeteOn Thursday, April 9th at 7:00pm, Chief Pete Van Den Berge will discuss the early history of the fire service in general and the history of the Elk Rapids Fire Department from 1889 to the present.  Presentation will feature historic photographs, and will be held at the Elk Rapids Museum, 301 Traverse Street at the corner of Pine Street, Elk Rapids.
Admission Fee:  Elk Rapids Historical Society Members – Free!
Non-Members: A $5.00 suggested donation for adults,
$2.00 suggested donation for students (under age 18) is requested at the door. Children are free.
All proceeds benefit the Elk Rapids Area Historical Society’s building preservation.

For more information contact Dan LeBlond, President, Elk Rapids Area Historical Society;
Tel. 231-264-8984 or send e-mail to president@elkrapidshistory.org.
Visit our website: http://elkrapidshistory.org/ to view a listing of our 2015 meetings and events.

Benzie Area Women’s History Project presents “Herstory: Reflections on Women & Poetry,” a Benzonia Academy Lecture by Karen Anderson

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Virginia Woolf said that a woman needed a “room of one’s own” in order to be a serious writer. She has also needed a voice of her own— and the “herstory” of women’s poetry traces the discovery of this room, this voice, this language that is the unique expression of women’s lives. Karen Anderson will reflect on the journey of women poets—sharing poems and ideas and inquiries along the way.

The program will be held Thursday, April 9th, at 4pm, at the Mills Community House, Benzonia.

There is no admission fee for the program but basic donations of $5 or more are gratefully received for the lecture series. Check out our website www.bawhp.org, please call 231-510-1721 with questions. Access to listening devices, interpreter services, or enhanced text is available by texting 231-590-4671.
Presented by The Benzie Area Women’s History Project in collaboration with the Benzie Area Historical Society.

 

News from the Societies

March Events in Frankfort and Traverse City Celebrate Women and Architecture

Benzie Area Women’s History Project

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In celebration of International Women‘s Day, the Benzie Area Women‘s History Project will present the film, I Am a Girl, on Saturday, March 7, at 4:00 PM at the Garden Theater in Frankfort.

The most persecuted people in the world today are not from a particular race or religion. They are not political activists. They are girls. The simple fact of being born a girl makes a person more likely to be subjected to violence, disease, poverty and disadvantage than any other group on the planet.

I Am a Girl is a beautifully crafted documentary that paints a complex picture of what it means to be a girl in the 21st century. In this remarkable film we hear the stories of six girls on the brink of womanhood, through a patchwork of diverse cultures and issues. This is an excellent movie for anyone of teen age on up. For more information and to see a preview, go to  http://www.iamagirl.com.au/

Our film showing has been underwritten by Suzy Voltz of C21 Sleeping Bear Realty and by the West Michigan Bank & Trust. Admission to this film is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. The money raised supports a scholarship given each year to a non-traditional female student at Northwestern Michigan College.

The Garden Theater is wheelchair accessible and provides a hearing loop. For more information, see our website: http://www.bawhp.org, or email infobop@bawhp.org, or phone (231) 510-1721. The Benzie Area Women‘s History Project is a committee affiliated with the Benzie Area Historical Society.

History Center of Traverse City

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News from the Societies

Like History? “Like” these Societies!

Local historical societies understand your attention is in demand. Every available cultural event abounds in the Grand Traverse Region. Thankfully, many of these societies will “push” their media announcements to you, in exchange for a simple “Like”!

Facebook remains our region’s go-to for nonprofit organization social media pages. If you didn’t join over a decade ago (February 4, 2004 to be precise), it’s never too late to join up and become informed about what your favorite groups are up to.

My new favorite is Leelanau Peninsula History Network, founded in October 2014. Not only do they push their members’ activities (which includes most of the local societies in the county), they reach out to other regional societies, like the History Center of Traverse City, and repost their announcements as well. A very active group indeed!

Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum has some fantastic programs coming up in January and February, on “Rome’s Sacred Spaces” by Dr. Louis Yock and “Lizzie Borden Revisited” by Al Bryant, if you are looking for some non-local history. Search for their Facebook page and give them a “like” to stay in touch.

Finally, History Center of Traverse City‘s new monthly programs are gaining in popularity at every meeting. Chautauqua remains locally-focused, while the Megatherium Club ranges through time and space for their history topics. Like many local groups, History Center typically announces new events on Facebook before their website, so “like” once and you’re in the know.

News from the Societies

Grand Traverse Lighthouse and History Center of Traverse City

Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a Beacon of Maritime Learning (Leelanau County)

Image of undated Grand Traverse Lighthouse courtesy of United States Coast Guard, http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/LHMI.asp.
Image of undated Grand Traverse Lighthouse courtesy of United States Coast Guard, http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/LHMI.asp.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is an organization that works to preserve the Lighthouse located at the end of Leelanau Peninsula, as well as provide supportive educational opportunities for all things maritime. We are always looking for new volunteers with a passion for maritime history, and please come to one of our engaging programs:

Children of all ages will be excited for this opportunity! Ever wonder how to assemble and use a Remotely Operated underwater Vehicle (ROV)? Come to an interactive program to do all the above and learn more about how professionals use this equipment to help explore the Great Lakes! The cost for the program is $5 per child, no registration necessary. All programs are at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum from 11 am to 2 pm, on January 10, February 14, March 14 and April 11.

Next, witness the unveiling of the history of Waugoshance Point Lighthouse! The lighthouse was a beacon for vessels traveling along the treacherous Straits of Mackinac until 1913 when it was abandoned. Decades later, with World War II raging overseas, the lighthouse became the target for secret bombing practice missions occurring on Lake Michigan. Terry Pepper of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association will lead this program, filled with stunning images and video footage, on January 22 at 7:00PM at the Maritime Academy on Front Street in Traverse City.

Stef Staley, Executive Director
www.grandtraverselighthouse.com
gtlthse@triton.net

History Center of Traverse City (Grand Traverse County)

historycenter-logoThe History Center of Traverse City is bringing history to the people with our regular monthly programs! Join us Monday, January 19th at 7pm for Chautauqua in Miniature ​in Horizon Books, lower level. This month is show & tell night, so bring a historic item that you own that means something to you and share it with the group! Then hang with us again Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm for Megatherium Club.​ This month’s brewery host is Rare Bird Brewery. Bring a historic topic or a historic fun fact to share with the group. The topics will be put into a top hat and then pulled out to share.

Share your love of history and support a local business! Need any more incentive to shake off winter cabin fever? We didn’t think so! Don’t forget to invite a friend!

Maddie Lundy, Executive Director
www.traversehistory.org
maddie@traversehistory.org