Michigistory

What's the point? And how to they work? And are they actually important? And what about Millard Fillmore (said nobody ever).  On this week's episode, Cassidy is joined by dear friend and Sault Ste. Marie resident Molly Engelman to talk about the rich history of one of the America's most valuable pieces of infrastructure- The Soo Locks. But on account of former U.S. President Millard...

Why do we teach history?  "So we don't repeat the past," is probably what popped into your head.  By that logic, if we're teaching history correctly, then we should never make the same mistake twice.   And yet, some headlines today look all too familiar. What does this say about the state of our history education? Today's episode is part 1 of a series in which Cassidy, and...

A cool fall morning in late October, is when the podcast began, at a public library in Wexford County, where the Manistee River ran. *insert keyboard* On this week's extra special Halloween episode, Cassidy is joined by Dogman enthusiast Ally Beshouri Pekrul to talk about Michigan's favorite cryptid. Tune in to hear the story behind the legendary Dogman song, as well as personal accounts...

Yeah, as in the cereal. But this is not an episode about cereal.  This week, Cassidy tells you the unbelievably fantastical story of John Harvey and William Kellogg. Honestly, you should go in blind. But if you want a sneak peak, keep reading.  This episode touches on everything from germ theory to 7th Day Adventism to "masturbation cures" to *eventually* cereal. Tune in to learn about t...

Before this podcast, the only thing I could tell you about the War of 1812 was the year it started. And I'm willing to bet the same goes for you.  This week, Cassidy gets to the bottom of this whole "War of 1812" thing, with the help of (fan favorite) Logan. Tune in to get a crash course on the American Revolution, The Declaration of Independence, and the Napoleonic Wars, followed b...

Fall is upon us, so it's time to talk about some strange and spooky history.  This week Cassidy sits down with Amberrose Hammond, author and paranormal researcher, to talk about some of the quirkier and less understood pieces of Michigan's history. All the stories you'll hear today are based in true historical occurrences- what you make of each occurrence is up to you and your belie...

So this is like a totally different show.  This week, Cassidy puts on her journalist hat and dives deep into the early days of Eminem, with the help of (BF)F Logan. Tune in to hear how the Detroit-native overcame bullying, poverty, lost loved ones, drugs, and toxic relationships to become the highest selling rap artist of all time. You'll learn about his relationships with people like Debbie...

If you came to hear about fudge, I'm so sorry, but this is not the episode for you.  This week Cassidy sits down with Craig Wilson, Chief Curator for Mackinac State Historic Parks, to talk about the rich and extensive history of Mackinac Island. Before the island became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, it was traded hands numerous times between numerous countries in...

Legend has it that $400 million in Civil War era gold lays at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Our guest today may have found it.  This week Cassidy sits down with Steve Libert, shipwreck hunter and founder of Great Lakes Exploration Group. Tune in to hear the origin of this gold and the many attempts to find it throughout history. Other topics include the Le Griffon (aka the "Holy Grail" of...

What would you do if everything was at stake?  This week Cassidy sits down with Eric Hemenway, Director of the Department of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. Tune in to hear the true story of people who went to unimaginable lengths to protect their home. Eric details life for the Odawa people in the 1800s while highlighting the unbelievable jour...

If you're reading this... good tidings will soon follow. Especially if you click play on this episode.  This week, host Cassidy Hough sits down with Jill Ore, head lighthouse keeper of the historic White Shoal Lighthouse. Tune in to hear about the life of a lighthouse keeper, as well as stories of fishermen stranded on icebergs, messages in a bottle, and perhaps even ghosts. Jill also gives d...

Welcome to Michigistory, a poorly named but well-produced podcast where experts tell the true stories of some of Michigan's most fascinating history. Tune in to our first episode to hear about the tragic wreck of The Western Reserve and the miraculous story of its sole survivor. Host Cassidy Hough sits down with Bruce Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, to get the fu...