Michigan History Moment™ is a weekly three-minute radio program that focuses on people, places, and events in Michigan’s past. The program is written and recorded by Michigan History magazine and the Historical Society of Michigan staff. Michigan History Moment airs on radio stations throughout the state including 89.7FM-WLNZ.
Latest episodes
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3 min
Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal
In the 1830s, Michigan Governor Stevens T. Mason was inspired by the success of New York’s Erie Canal, so he pushed for major improvements to Michigan’s transportation system. His…
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3 min
Beach Boys
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 c…
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3 min
Ben King: The Sweet Singer of St. Joe
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 sentim…
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3 min
Norrie Mine Collapse
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 ha…
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3 min
Traveling Libraries
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,…
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3 min
Cornelius Henderson
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 B…
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3 min
Hair Jewelry
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 o…
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3 min
Michigan Governors in WWII
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 Millike…
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3 min
Kingsford: Building a Charcoal Empire
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…
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3 min
Harold Loud
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 dange…
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3 min
Telegraphs in Michigan
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.…
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3 min
Bois Blanc Island
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 value…
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3 min
Michigan Normal's Segregated Practice House
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 America…
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3 min
Surviving the Lusitania's Fateful Voyage
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 torp…
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3 min
Orlando Bolivar Wilcox
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 Bat…
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3 min
Fordston Tractors
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 ea…
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3 min
The Black Legion
This episode explores the tumultuous offshoot of the Ku Klux Klan, The Black Legion, which emerged in the Midwest during the 1920s and promoted violence against marginalized groups…
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3 min
Shrine of the Pines
This episode offers an insightful look into Michigan's ecological history, particularly focusing on the White Pine Era and its ramifications. As logging operations ravaged the land…
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3 min
Heat Wave of 1936
This episode revisits the harrowing heat wave that engulfed Michigan in July 1936. It was a climatic phenomenon that resulted in unprecedented temperatures and tragic consequences,…
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3 min
Mackinac Island Lilacs
Mackinac Island is renowned for its captivating lilacs, which erupt in a stunning display of color and fragrance each June, enchanting visitors for a brief yet glorious period. Alt…