Michigan Oral History Association Conference

It is just the beginning....Marilou Ikens reflects on the hosting theMichigan Oral History Association (MOHA)Conference and Banquet:

"Over 125 people gathered for the Michigan Oral History Conference held over the week-end. Those attending came from as far as Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, and throughout the State of Michigan. The major highlight was certainly the gathering and recognition of WWII veterans from Presque Isle County! The evening was wonderful expression of gratitude to the men and women who served our country during WWII, with the keynoter Tom Wiener speaking about the National Veteran’s History Project. For many veterans—men and women—this was the first time that they had been recognized for their years of service! It was a long overdue honor for them!

The very special value of our hosting this conference has been the State Conference serving as a catalyst for many different projects that were held earlier and that are now being initiated here in Presque Isle County! The two weeks prior to the Conference students and teachers in our County schools studied and wrote from interviews conducted by them in each of our communities! Several of the Onaway students presented their writings at the Wooten session on Saturday afternoon.

With several people attending the Friday afternoon session on doing oral histories, we anticipate that many stories from throughout our communities will be recorded over the next few months! Multiple conversations are, also, being held about establishing a permanent repository somewhere in our county to preserve the stories of Presque Isle County veterans. Hopefully, we will see major ideas about this proposed project taking shape in the next few months!

We truly appreciate the programs and conversations that we expect will help us preserve and appreciate more the special contributions of so many citizens and veterans that live in our county! The value of the Michigan Oral History Conference goes far beyond the special two-day program that was held here!

The Huron Shores Humanities Council thanks the many, many contributors that helped make the Conference a wonderful success!"

The City of Rogers City adds its sincere thanks to all, especially Marilou Ikens, for making this successful event happen, and for planting many important seeds for the future!