Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

With the many rivers, streams, and creeks in Muskegon County, celery was a natural crop to try and grow. Much like other produce tried in our soils, celery farming would become a successful crop and Muskegon would lead the state of Michigan in celery production in the 1950s. In this episode we will trace the history of celery farming and learn how this grown was grown historically.

La Colonia was a community of Latinos that formed together during World War II at the Ryerson Heights project. Here these Latinos from all over the south and Mexico would bond together and create a cultural hub for themselves. Listen in as we share what life was like in La Colonia.

If you have a sweet tooth McDonald's Candies has you covered. McDonald's Candies started in Charles McDonald's basement and from there grew into the areas most well known chocolate and sweets destination.

One of the oldest churches still in operation in Muskegon, St Paul's has a long history and connection to some of the most important people in our past. Following along as we learn about the history of this congregation and church.

In 1880s Muskegon if you were looking for some night life, the best place to go was Sawdust Flats. This part of town on the outskirts near the Muskegon River was the place were nearly anything went and you could find what you desired, however it also had a softer side in the day. Listen in to learn about this interesting area and its history.

On May 6, 2025 a millage will be on the ballot for the Lakeshore Museum Center for the construction of a new museum building and the renovation of the existing space into a collection and archival storage facility. In this episode museum director Melissa Horton explains what this millage entails, why it is needed, and how the community will be served by it if it passes.

For more information e-mail [email protected] or visit https://lakeshoremuseum.org/2025millage/

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war.

In this podcast episode we look at the Civilian Defense Corps which was in charge of dealing with air raids and drills, civil air patrol, and recruiting volunteers among many other roles.

On Christmas Day 1965, Sherman Poppen and his children would be sent outside to play. During this play session a new invention would be created that would become known as the Snurfer. On today's episode we look at the history of this invention and the sport it would go on to inspire.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war.

In this podcast episode we look at one of those efforts, the collection of milkweed pods for the war and what use they had.

Invasive species have for a long time made the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways their home. In our episode today learn about how some of these creatures found their way here, what is being done to stop them, and what you can do to help fight back against them and prevent their further spread.