Advertise on podcast: Michigan History Moment

In October 1966, the Beach Boys performed to sold-out crowds at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan during the height of their popularity. At their Ann Arbor concert, the band performed songs from their upcoming album Pet Sounds and introduced the audience to their new single, “Good Vibrations,” before its official release. The show also featured a special encore when Brian Wilson joined his bandmates onstage to perform Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Benjamin Franklin King Jr. was a talented musician and poet from St. Joseph, Michigan, known for his eccentric personality and lively performances. He published humorous and sentimental poems about his hometown and entertained audiences across the country with his poetry readings. In 1894, King died peacefully in his sleep at just 37 years old after performing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Today, he is remembered in St. Joseph through his grave and a bronze bust in Lakefront Park. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode recounts the Norrie Mine disaster of May 13, 1912, when a cave-in two thousand feet underground trapped thirteen miners and initially led officials to fear that none had survived. After rescuers detected tapping from behind the collapsed rock, they worked with drills and dynamite to construct an escape tunnel. Six miners ultimately emerged through the fractured rock, although several suffered severe injuries. The account places the tragedy within the broader history of mining disasters in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and reflects on the memorials that continue to honor the workers who lost their lives. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Michigan’s traveling library program began in 1895 to bring books to rural and isolated communities that lacked easy access to libraries. Boxes of books traveled to towns, schools, lighthouses, and other institutions, helping build a strong reading culture across the state and laying the foundation for the local public libraries that followed. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Cornelius L. Henderson overcame racial barriers to become one of the first African American engineers and helped design two of Michigan's most important landmarks: the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. His 47-year career is a powerful example of perseverance, innovation, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Michigan's history and the connection between the United States and Canada. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Before photography became common, many people in Michigan saved locks of hair to remember loved ones or celebrate important relationships. This episode explores the beautiful art of Victorian hair jewelry and memorial keepsakes, showing how these meaningful traditions reflected love, loss, and remembrance before fading in the early 1900s. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode explores the remarkable contributions of three Michigan governors who also served valiantly during World War II: G. Mennen Williams, John Swainson, and William Milliken. Their military experiences helped shape their leadership approaches, values, and public service, highlighting the lasting connection between service, sacrifice, and governance in Michigan’s history. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Michigan History Moment explores the historical significance of Edward George Kingsford, his establishment of the Kingsford Chemical Company and his role in the development of the town named after him in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode tells the story of Harold Loud, a Michigan observation pilot during World War I whose service often went unnoticed, when compared to famous fighter aces. Through dangerous missions and close calls during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Loud demonstrated courage and dedication in one of the war’s most challenging roles. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

In this episode, listeners learn how the telegraph changed communication in Michigan during the 1800s, allowing messages to travel almost instantly instead of taking hours or days. The discussion explores the growth of telegraph networks across the state and how this groundbreaking technology transformed the way people connected with one another. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode explores the rich history and quiet charm of Bois Blanc Island, a hidden gem tucked into the Straits of Mackinac. Once home to Indigenous fishing camps and later valued for its timber, farming, and distinctive basswood trees, the island has played many important roles over the centuries. Today, Bois Blanc remains a peaceful ferry-accessible getaway where visitors can experience both natural beauty and a deep connection to Michigan’s past. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode shares a powerful story from 1942 at Michigan State Normal College, where eight college women preparing to become teachers faced discrimination when an African American classmate was excluded from shared housing. In an inspiring act of solidarity, the seven white students refused to participate unless their classmate was included, leading the college to allow an integrated living arrangement. Their experience became a lasting lesson in courage, fairness, and standing together in the face of injustice. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

On this episode, explore the the tragic story of Charlotte native Belle Naish and her fateful journey aboard the RMS Lusitania with her husband, Theodore, which was infamously torpedoed during World War I. Despite this devastation and personal loss, Belle’s experience reflects remarkable resilience and generosity. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Orlando Bolivar Wilcox, a United States Military Academy graduate, led the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War and showed notable bravery at the First Battle of Bull Run. Though a Medal of Honor recipient and writer, he remains relatively overlooked. His novel, published as Major March, reflects his experiences and adds depth to his legacy. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode shares how the Fordson tractor helped change farming around the world, especially in the Soviet Union. The Fordson tractor was created by Henry Ford to make farming easier and faster. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the Soviet Union needed better tools, so they ordered many tractors and even started building their own. In the end, the Fordson became a symbol of big change and growth in farming. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine