Michigan in Perspective: Local History Conference

The Motown Museum encapsulates the history of the renowned record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. “The Little House That Rocked the World” stands today as a testament to the authentic, humble beginnings of Motown—as well as its breakthrough as the “Sound of Young America” and lasting musical impacts. This keynote will detail not only the history of the museum but also its ongoing expansion efforts. 

Join us for a luncheon as Rick Snyder—the forty-eighth governor of Michigan—shares a retrospective of his time serving the state and its people in an interview with Chuck Stokes, WXYZ’s director of editorial and public affairs. From 2011 to 2019, the former  governor navigated various issues and policies that affected Michiganders. Follow the path of Snyder’s tenure as he reflects on his time as the Head of State.

Join us as Linda Woods recounts her life—from Detroit to Peshawbestown and beyond, through service to her country and her community as a social worker and culture consultant, to life following retirement. Learn how she was presented with an eagle head, Migizi, to create a healing eagle staff for women veterans and their families, as she travels to tribal communities throughout Michigan, the United States, and even other countries to share her story.

Although perhaps best known for his time on the U.S. Supreme Court, Frank Murphy contributed years of public service to his home state of Michigan. This keynote will offer a new look at the former governor’s days in Detroit. Serving as mayor of the city from 1930 to 1933, Murphy guided Detroiters through the early years of the Depression—when his progressive philosophy garnered the attention of President Franklin Roosevelt. 

In early 1974, the Michigan Department of Agriculture quarantined more than 500 farms following a catastrophic mistake at Michigan Chemical Corporation, whereafter a fire retardant was accidentally mixed into animal feed at a Farm Bureau Services co-op. While the agricultural and economic impacts were immediately apparent, it took decades to demonstrate the long-term health implications for exposed Michiganders. This keynote examines the history and memories of the PBB disaster, as well as what we’ve learned 50 years later.