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Editor’s Note: Thumbwind recently connected with representatives of the Traverse Regional History Center after the organization expressed interest in the research and historical storytelling featured in the Michigan Moments. The center’s emphasis on regional collaboration, digital history, and public engagement reflects a growing effort among historians, museums, archives, and independent publishers to preserve and share northern Michigan’s past with wider audiences.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A group of local historians, authors, educators, and community leaders is working to create a new model for preserving and sharing the history of northwest Michigan through the Traverse Regional History Center.
From Con Foster’s Vision to a New Regional History Center
The nonprofit organization, based in Traverse City, was formed after the closure of the historic Con Foster Museum in 2016. Rather than rebuilding a traditional museum centered on artifact collections, organizers envisioned a regional history center focused on storytelling, technology, education, and collaboration across county lines.
The roots of the effort stretch back nearly a century. During the Great Depression, Traverse City businessman Con Foster championed the creation of a civic park along the city’s waterfront. His vision included a zoo, aquarium, museum, and public gathering space. The collection of historical artifacts assembled through that effort eventually became the Con Foster Museum and later the History Center.
Following the museum’s closure, local history advocates began discussing a different approach.
“We realized there was an opportunity to tell the larger story of the entire Grand Traverse region,” according to information provided by the organization.
Today, the Traverse Regional History Center serves the five-county region of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Its mission is to collect and share stories that help residents and visitors better understand the people, places, industries, and events that shaped northwest Michigan.
Traverse Regional History Center Focus on Content & Stories
Rather than maintaining a large artifact collection, the organization focuses on digital content, educational programming, video storytelling, and emerging technologies. Leaders say the goal is to make history more engaging and accessible while creating stronger connections between communities throughout the region.
The organization believes history plays an important role in helping people understand current events, evaluate information, appreciate cultural differences, and develop a stronger sense of community identity.
Its long-term vision includes creating a regional hub for historical content while encouraging collaboration among local museums, historical societies, schools, tourism organizations, businesses, and cultural institutions.
Looking for a Permanent Home
The center currently operates online and is seeking a permanent physical location that would support expanded programming, exhibits, presentations, and community events.
The organization’s board includes local leaders and historians Bruce Wiegand, George Cochran, author Doug Stanton, Beth Stoner Wiegand, Jill Cooley, and Stephen Morris.
Among the center’s online offerings are historical videos and educational resources focused on the people and events that shaped the Grand Traverse region. Featured content includes the documentary project “Beyond the Frame” and the ongoing “Elements of the Grand Traverse Region” series.
Watch: Beyond the Frame – Orson Peck & The Docks
About the Traverse Regional History Center
The Traverse Regional History Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Through digital storytelling, educational programming, technology, and community partnerships, the organization works to connect residents and visitors with the people, places, and events that shaped northwest Michigan.
For more information, visit https://traverseregionalhistory.org.
