Because history matters, Traverse Regional History Center uses today’s cutting edge technology to honor and celebrate our heritage—from the first inhabitants more than 8000 years ago to the present-day re-imagining of our society.
After the Great Depression, a charismatic gent named Con Foster had a vision to beautify the Traverse City waterfront, create a civic park that would include a regional zoo, aquarium and museum. It became a reality in 1935. Over time, the Con Foster collection of artifacts was moved to a vacant city building and became the History Center. It closed in 2016 from lack of civic engagement.
In 2016, a small group of local history enthusiasts conceived of a new way forward. While there are a dozen or so small history museums and societies in the five-county area, this group saw a vital need to embrace the entire region and tell the fascinating over-arching stories of its inhabitants through the eyes of the pioneers and civic founders, while encouraging further exploration throughout the area. Today, local history education for the next generation is typically a lower priority in our schools and visitors to the area appreciate our scenic beauty but have little knowledge of how we came to be.
A New Perspective – The more we plan, the more we research, the more we realize now is the time to collaborate and do something completely different. The whole museum concept has evolved rapidly in the last eight years.
History helps us understand the past, learn from experience, and develop critical thinking skills, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
1. Understanding the Present and Predicting the Future
2. Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
3. Fostering Empathy and Cultural Understanding
4. Building a Sense of Identity and Belonging
“The world is in a constant state of evolution and change. Museum methods are two: over the past year the closure of physical museums due to the COVID 19 pandemic challenged us to re-image our institutions and re-ignite our audience engagement in innovative ways. With resiliency and agility, museums are re-defining what it means to be a museum in contemporary society. We are more than a place, a building, a noun, a repository. We are relationships. We are community. We aim to be art and not just see it, to inspire history in the making and not just study it.”
Museums must change from being places continuing artifacts requiring expert interpretation to places that provide impactful experiences and emotional connections that lead to life-changing personal insights. They must become agile content creators able to change as their visitors change. Only if this shift takes place can museums remain relevant to the populations they need to serve in today’s rapidly changing world.
As well as a shift in how museums think about visitors, there’s been a shift in how people think about museums. Rather than monolithic institutions, they are now seen as ever-changing community centers.
Source – Mark Walhimer, 2022, Designing Museum Experiences.
Circumspice: “Look about you” – The Seal of the State of Michigan has a dark blue shield with the sun rising over a lake and peninsula. A white ribbon reads, Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” which is the official state motto, adopted in 1835. It’s time to take a closer look at the region in which we live, and celebrate with stories.
The Grand Traverse Region is rich to overflowing with uncommon people, places, and elements. The purpose of the Traverse Regional History Center is to celebrate these with stories that engage, amaze, and educate residents and visitors alike to give them an appreciation for, and understanding of, the past, present, and how the future is influenced by them.
Since the dawn of humanity, storytelling is how knowledge has been sustained and shared across generations.
Regional Scope
It’s been said that we who live here are good at recreation, agriculture, food, beer & wine, small business, the arts and festivals, hunting & fishing, but we “don’t do history well.” Our first responders demonstrate courage, our business and education leaders demonstrate our brains, our charitable and healthcare organizations demonstrate our heart, but there is more need to demonstrate our commitment to the region’s soul.
There are dozens of chambers, tourism outlets and publications, yet none encompass the region and present the history and culture in a comprehensive and innovative way. History on the Water will be a hub, gateway, and the “History Channel” for our region.
Digital Collection – Rather than being burdened by the cost of collecting, cataloging, preserving and displaying hundreds of artifacts, our museum is a non-collecting entity with well-planned galleries and a presentation stage, plus a few permanent and temporary exhibits.
Eye-Opening Technology – An integral part of our mission is to use new technology and artificial intelligence to create, present and maintain fast-paced, engaging, ever-evolving content and experiences that build awareness of our cultural heritage and history affecting community life today and into the future.
Learn and Explore – We intend to engage young people with programming and activities that unlock their heritage and spur exploration and imagination.
Benefits for All – While encouraging the growth of cultural tourism, our aim is to serve as a valued resource for collaboration with businesses, organizations, residents and visitors.
The Road we Travel – To really be the best, we need to excel at all 10 values. Because if you are missing one, progress will be slowed.
We will provide an experience to challenge the notion of a traditional museum. One of our defining attributes is that we are a “non-collecting” entity; we will have very few artifacts to display. Instead, we are “digital first,” incorporating videos, oral histories and interactive elements to bring our region’s rich history to life. At our core is storytelling. We deliver captivating, curated stories on a wide range of topics especially relevant to our region.
In addition to our broad catalog of digital and interactive engagement elements, we look forward to welcoming the community through a steady calendar of special events that will appeal to residents and visitors alike. We will also have unique, engaging programming for students, seniors and the broader community, and look forward to hearing from our patrons about additional types of programming they would like to see.
The geographical scope for our primary efforts are the five counties that make up the Grand Traverse Region, including: Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim, and Kalkaska, as well as the GT Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Currently we live entirely online at traverseregionalhistory.org. We are actively looking for a physical space that will allow us to expand our programming and bring a new level of engagement to the community through special events.
Absolutely! We have a rich catalog of content available on our website and we encourage you to explore! Of special note is our hallmark video, “Beyond the Frame”. Additionally, the Elements of the Grand Traverse Region, is an interesting piece to explore.
We are actively recruiting people with a passion for the history, stories and culture of the Traverse Region. If you would like to contribute stories, help develop content, or express interest in future volunteer opportunities, please visit this page and fill out the form to indicate your interest and we will connect with you as soon as possible.
At this time we are not accepting donations of physical items, but would be very interested to hear your family heritage stories as they relate to the history and development of the Traverse Region. Please visit our Support page and fill out the brief form at to get started.
We are not currently soliciting paid memberships, but if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support our efforts, it would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) entity. Every donation will receive a receipt that can be used for tax purposes. We truly appreciate your support and would be happy to connect with you to discuss planned giving and other enrichment opportunities.
After the Great Depression, a charismatic gent named Con Foster had a vision to beautify the Traverse City waterfront, create a civic park that would include a regional zoo, aquarium and museum. It became a reality in 1935. Over time, the Con Foster collection of artifacts was moved to a vacant city building and became the History Center. It closed in 2016 from lack of civic engagement.
In 2016, a small group of history enthusiasts conceived of a new way forward. While there are a dozen or so small history museums and societies in the five-county area, this group saw a vital need to embrace the entire region and tell the fascinating stories of its inhabitants through the eyes of the pioneers and civic founders. Today, our schools generally neglect teaching local history to the next generation. Visitors to the area appreciate our scenic beauty but have little knowledge of how we came to be.
Completely different – The more we plan, the more we research, the more we know we have to collaborate and do something completely different. The whole museum concept has changed in the last eight years.
Studying history is valuable because it helps us understand the past, learn from mistakes, and develop critical thinking skills, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
1. Understanding the Present and Predicting the Future
2. Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
3. Fostering Empathy and Cultural Understanding
4. Building a Sense of Identity and Belonging
“The world is in a constant state of evolution and change. Museum methods are two: over the past year the closure of physical museums due to the COVID 19 pandemic challenged us to re-image our institutions and re-ignite our audience engagement in innovative ways. With resiliency and agility, museums are re-defining what it means to be a museum in contemporary society. We are more than a place, a building, a noun, a repository. We are relationships. We are community. We aim to be art and not just see it, to inspire history in the making and not just study it.”
Museums must change from being places continuing artifacts requiring expert interpretation to places that provide impactful experiences and emotional connections that lead to life-changing personal insights. They must become agile content creators able to change as their visitors change. Only if this shift takes place can museums remain relevant to the populations they need to serve in today’s rapidly changing world.
As well as a shift in how museums think about visitors, there’s been a shift in how people think about museums. Rather than monolithic institutions, they are now seen as ever-changing community centers.
Source – Mark Walhimer, 2022, Designing Museum Experiences.
Circumspice: “Look about you” – The Seal of the State of Michigan has a dark blue shield. On it the Sun raises over a lake and peninsula. On the white ribbon, it says, Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”, which is the official state motto. It was adopted in 1835. It’s time to take a closer look at the region in which we live, and celebrate with stories.
The Grand Traverse Region is rich to overflowing with uncommon people, places, and things. The purpose of the new museum is to celebrate these with stories that engage, amaze, and educate residents and visitors alike to give them an appreciation for and understanding of the past, present, and how the future is influenced by them.
Since the dawn of humanity, storytelling is how knowledge is sustained.
Regional scope
It’s been said that we who live here are good at recreation, agriculture, food, beer & wine, small business, the arts and festivals, hunting & fishing, but we “don’t do history well.” Our first responders demonstrate courage, our business and education leaders demonstrate our brains, our charitable and healthcare organizations demonstrate our heart, but there is more need to demonstrate our commitment to the region’s soul.
There are dozens of chambers, tourism outlets and publications, yet none encompass the region and present the history and culture in a comprehensive and innovative way. History on the Water will be a hub, gateway, and the “History Channel” for our region.
Digital collection – Rather than being burdened by the cost of collecting, cataloging, preserving and displaying hundreds of artifacts, our museum is a non-collecting entity with well-planned galleries and a presentation stage, plus a few permanent and temporary exhibits.
Eye-opening technology – An integral part of our mission is to use new technology and artificial intelligence to create, present and maintain fast-paced, engaging, ever-evolving content and experiences that build awareness of our cultural heritage and history affecting community life today and into the future.
Learn and explore – We intend to stimulate young people – whether in a private or public educational setting with programming and activities which unlock their heritage and spur exploration.
Benefits for all – While encouraging the growth of cultural tourism, our aim is to serve as a valued resource for collaboration with businesses, organizations, residents and visitors.
The road we travel – To really be the best, we need to excel at all 10 values. Because if you are missing one, progress will be slowed.
Lorem Traverse ipsum dolor sit amet, peninsula inter aquas magni lacus Michigan et Superiorus, ubi vinetum et campi pomarii olim radices ceperunt. In valle solis inter Benzie et Leelanau, settleres cum Ojibwa et Odawa commercia fecerunt, piscibus abundantibus et pinis fragrantibus circumdati. Antrum rupium et dunes arenosi maris recordantur temporum glacialium, cum glacies vetusta sinum sculpsit et aquas claras reliquit.
Portus Traversea, ubi naves mercatoriae se collocabant, factus est centrum commercii in saeculo undevicesimo. Ligna ab Antrim silvis missa sunt, vinum de collibus Leelanau effusum est, et horti cerasorum rubrum colorem regioni dederunt. Lorem in via Boardman fluminis, molendina aquatica sibilum suum per saecula tenuerunt, testantes industriam et laborem communitatis.
After the Great Depression, a charismatic gent named Con Foster had a vision to beautify the Traverse City waterfront, create a civic park that would include a regional zoo, aquarium and museum. It became a reality in 1935. Over time, the Con Foster collection of artifacts was moved to a vacant city building and became the History Center. It closed in 2016 from lack of civic engagement.
In 2017, a small group of history enthusiasts conceived of a new way forward. While there are a dozen or so small history museums and societies in the five-county area, this group saw a vital need to embrace the entire region and tell the fascinating stories of its inhabitants through the eyes of the pioneers and civic founders. Today, our schools generally neglect teaching local history to the next generation. Visitors to the area appreciate our scenic beauty but have little knowledge of how we came to be.
Completely different – The more we plan, the more we research, the more we know we have to collaborate and do something completely different. The whole museum concept has changed in the last eight years.
Studying history is valuable because it helps us understand the past, learn from mistakes, and develop critical thinking skills, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
1. Understanding the Present and Predicting the Future
2. Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
3. Fostering Empathy and Cultural Understanding
4. Building a Sense of Identity and Belonging
“The world is in a constant state of evolution and change. Museum methods are two: over the past year the closure of physical museums due to the COVID 19 pandemic challenged us to re-image our institutions and re-ignite our audience engagement in innovative ways. With resiliency and agility, museums are re-defining what it means to be a museum in contemporary society. We are more than a place, a building, a noun, a repository. We are relationships. We are community. We aim to be art and not just see it, to inspire history in the making and not just study it.”
Museums must change from being places continuing artifacts requiring expert interpretation to places that provide impactful experiences and emotional connections that lead to life-changing personal insights. They must become agile content creators able to change as their visitors change. Only if this shift takes place can museums remain relevant to the populations they need to serve in today’s rapidly changing world.
As well as a shift in how museums think about visitors, there’s been a shift in how people think about museums. Rather than monolithic institutions, they are now seen as ever-changing community centers.
Source – Mark Walhimer, 2022, Designing Museum Experiences.
Digital collection – Rather than being burdened by the cost of collecting, cataloging, preserving and displaying hundreds of artifacts, our museum is a non-collecting entity with well-planned galleries and a presentation stage, plus a few permanent and temporary exhibits.
Eye-opening technology – An integral part of our mission is to use new technology and artificial intelligence to create, present and maintain fast-paced, engaging, ever-evolving content and experiences that build awareness of our cultural heritage and history affecting community life today and into the future.
Learn and explore – We intend to stimulate young people – whether in a private or public educational setting with programming and activities which unlock their heritage and spur exploration.
Benefits for all – While encouraging the growth of cultural tourism, our aim is to serve as a valued resource for collaboration with businesses, organizations, residents and visitors.
Why Regional?
It’s been said that we who live here are good at recreation, agriculture, food, beer & wine, small business, the arts and festivals, hunting & fishing, but we “don’t do history well.” Our first responders demonstrate courage, our business and education leaders demonstrate our brains, our charitable and healthcare organizations demonstrate our heart, but there is more need to demonstrate our commitment to the region’s soul.
There are dozens of chambers, tourism outlets and publications, yet none encompass the region and present the history and culture in a comprehensive and innovative way. History on the Water will be a hub, gateway, and the “History Channel” for our region.
Storytelling is the way of preserving history since the dawn of humanity. It is engaging, entertaining and most of all, memorable. From tribal ceremonies to the latest movies, it’s how we preserve what we individually cherish.
To embrace everything that makes the region special, we charted all the things we consider our “treasures.” There are more than 200 stories we can tell behind the 77 Elements of the Grand Traverse Region. That is our core process for entertaining and educating our future museum visitors.
The road we travel – To really be the best, we need to excel at all 10 values. Because if you are missing one, progress will be slowed.
