In our inaugural episode, we explore the earliest days of the Grand Traverse area — starting with the history of the Anishinaabe in the region, the arrival of trappers, traders and, finally, the missionaries — then talk about the burgeoning lumber business and a ship captain named Boardman.

We had the pleasure of speaking with JoAnne Cook, educator and historian, as well as a member and a chief appellate judge of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Chris Rieser, a local historian and president of the Peter Dougherty Society; and Peg Siciliano, local historian and board member of the Traverse Area Historical Society.