In 2021 Barbara and Frank Siepker, the publishers at Leelanau Press approached the Leelanau Historical Society with the idea of establishing the Leelanau Press Research Fellowship to provide financial assistance to researchers conducting original research on the cultural history of Leelanau County, MI. It took us some time to determine the criteria and application process but in 2022 we awarded our first fellowship. Since then we have learned a great deal not only about the subject matter of our fellows, but also the needs of the local history community. One such need is assistance with the cost of publishing which has prompted LHS and the Leelanau Press to establish a Book Production Grant. Another opportunity also supported by the Leelanau Press is the Leelanau Press History Article Honoraria, as a way to financially support researchers and give them a platform for subject matter of shorter length.
The recipients of these three different awards are making important contributions to the understanding of Leelanau’s past. We are very grateful to the Leelanau Press for their commitment to expanding the scholarly study of Leelanau County history.
Leelanau Press Research Fellowship
Now Accepting Applications for 2025!
The Leelanau Press Research Fellowship provides monetary support for an independent researcher to conduct original research on the cultural history of Leelanau County, MI.
The research project must focus on Leelanau County, MI. Creative research projects may involve fieldwork and/or utilize the Leelanau Historical Society or other regional historical collections. Research areas are broadly defined, and include, but are not limited to: Great Lakes maritime history and culture, agricultural history and culture, tourism history and culture, Anishinaabek history and culture, family and genealogical history, historic preservation, environmental history, folklore, and oral history.
At the end of the twelve-month period, the Leelanau Press Research Fellow are asked to provide a finished product from a range of options of their choice: scholarly article, essay, book, research file for a museum, exhibit, presentation or audio/video recording such as a documentary, podcast, or lecture. This final product will be archived in the Leelanau Historical Society Collection or otherwise made publicly available. The grant award is $2,500.
Past Fellowship Recipients:
2022 – Susan Wasserman
A photographic history of North Manitou Island from its early days as a remote agricultural community up to its time as a private hunting and fishing destination. Susan’s personal connection to North Manitou lends itself to the thorough history of the island’s resort era detailing the interconnection of the cottage owners.
2023 – Kevin Brooks
A journey into family history in and around Empire Twp. representative of the homesteading roots of many Leelanau families. Kevin’s forthcoming book documents his personal journey to discover his roots.
2024 – M. Christine Byron
A first hand account of cottage life in Leelanau County from 1907-1920 as told through the diaries of Rebecca Richmond who summered in Omena. The diary coincides with the golden age of postcards which will be used to illustrate her various entries.
2025 – Now Accepting Applications!
Submission deadline: November 30th, 2024.
*Receipt of the fellowship does not promise or guarantee publication by Leelanau Press publishing company.
Questions about the Leelanau Press Research Fellowship can be directed to Kim Kelderhouse, Executive Director at (231) 256-7475 or info@leelanauhistory.org.
Leelanau Press Book Production Grant
A book production grant is offered to help individuals with the high costs of publishing a book. It is to be awarded for a new or re-printed nonfiction book on a historic Leelanau County subject. The grant award is up to $2,500.
Past Book Production Grant Recipients:
2024 – Bill & Karen Rosa
Bill and Karen Rosa complied the book Remembering Crescent, Logging and Life on North Manitou Island 1907-1915. Forty years after North Manitou Island was acquired by the National Park Service, the site of the village of Crescent is largely hidden in its 15,000-acre wilderness. But the memories have been preserved. In this book, the family of A.J. White, who ran the Crescent sawmill, shares their trove of historical photographs.
2025 – Now Accepting Applications!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Questions about the Leelanau Press Book Production Grant can be directed to Kim Kelderhouse, Executive Director at (231) 256-7475 or info@leelanauhistory.org.
Leelanau Press History Article Honoraria Application
A history article honoraria is offered to encourage research and writing on a historic Leelanau County subject. These articles will be suitable for publication on the LHS website or newsletter, and/or local journals, or newspapers. The award is $250.
2025 – Now Accepting Applications!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Questions about the Leelanau Press History Article Honoraria can be directed to Kim Kelderhouse, Executive Director at (231) 256-7475 or info@leelanauhistory.org.