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 plans included railroads and two canals designed to connect communities across the Lower Peninsula and improve trade; however, the financial panic of 1837 caused serious economic problems, leaving the projects unfinished, yet not forgotten either.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 concert, the band performed songs from their upcoming album Pet Sounds and introduced the audience to their new single, “Good Vibrations,” before its official release. The show also featured a special encore when Brian Wilson joined his bandmates onstage to perform Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.”

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 sentimental poems about his hometown and entertained audiences across the country with his poetry readings. In 1894, King died peacefully in his sleep at just 37 years old after performing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Today, he is remembered in St. Joseph through his grave and a bronze bust in Lakefront Park.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 had survived. After rescuers detected tapping from behind the collapsed rock, they worked with drills and dynamite to construct an escape tunnel. Six miners ultimately emerged through the fractured rock, although several suffered severe injuries. The account places the tragedy within the broader history of mining disasters in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and reflects on the memorials that continue to honor the workers who lost their lives.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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, lighthouses, and other institutions, helping build a strong reading culture across the state and laying the foundation for the local public libraries that followed.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. His 47-year career is a powerful example of perseverance, innovation, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Michigan's history and the connection between the United States and Canada.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 of Victorian hair jewelry and memorial keepsakes, showing how these meaningful traditions reflected love, loss, and remembrance before fading in the early 1900s.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

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 Milliken. Their military experiences helped shape their leadership approaches, values, and public service, highlighting the lasting connection between service, sacrifice, and governance in Michigan’s history.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine