Oral History Project: Mike Stephens

Beginning in 2007, a joint project with Grand Valley State University’s Veteran’s Oral History Project began as a means to preserve history through recorded interviews with local residents. This included local high school students conducting the interviews. These recordings have been saved as digital archives by the Lowell Area Historical Museum, which began recording their own interviews in 2019.

The Museum’s Oral History Committee works to set up new interviews, do background research, compiles questions, gathers photos, and performs the interview. Those interviewed include local veterans as well as Lowell citizens. “We are seeking to capture personal memories of life in Lowell,” says Lisa Plank, Executive Director of the Lowell Area Historical Museum. “Everyone interviewed has a connection to Lowell and information to share that we believe is valuable to our understanding of the past. Military interviews include information on their service history and often memories of life in Lowell before and after service.”

To date over 75 interviews have been completed and can be found on the Lowell Area Historical Museum’s website. Some who have been interviewed have since passed away while others still live in the community. All who have participated add to Lowell’s history by sharing how they have been a part of it. According to Plank, “Oral histories represent a valuable resource in understanding the past. Not all history is written down and personal memories help to expand the story and our ability to learn from the past.”

Each week, Lowell’s First Look will highlight one of the interviews that are part of the Oral History Project. Each Sunday at 8pm, tune to the Lowell High School radio station at 92.3 FM to listen to LOWELLife, which broadcasts an interview. Visit the Lowell Area Historical Museum’s Facebook page to see who will be featured each week.

The Lowell Area Historical Museum is also accepting names for future interviews. If you are interested or know someone who should be considered, contact the Lowell Area Historical Museum by phone (616-897-7688) or email.

Below is information provided by the Lowell Area Historical Museum about the person we highlight this week.

Mike Stephens
Here’s a huge treat for us folks! His family has been coming to their place on Murray Lake for a 100 years! The photos they took and the writings they did are massive enough to open the lake’s very own museum!! The music for this interview is by Mr Roger MacNaughton- it’s a beautiful segment and we are lucky to have captured this one! This one made me listen to it again and again, thinking we have to visit Mr Stephens again for more stories on Murray Lake!!

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