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LAKE LEELANAU — Lake Leelanau, its people and history, are saluted as subjects of the documentary “Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake.”
The Historical Society of Michigan awarded its 2024 State History Award for Media to the film’s producer Leelanau Historical Society and Manitou Films. The award pays tribute to individuals and organizations which preserve and promote the State’s journey through time.
Leelanau Historical Society engagement and collection manager Elizabeth Adams and film director Keith Patterson, founder of the Grand Rapids-based film and television production company, accepted the award at the Historical Society of Michigan’s 150th Annual Conference in late September in St. Joseph.
The 24-minute documentary premiered this summer to a sold-out audience. Archival footage, interviews and cinematography create an intimate look at the lake’s role in Leelanau County. It gathers voices of yesterday and today to capture the story of the lake’s evolution from prehistoric times to present times, chronicling the elements of lake ecology, Native American history, area settlers and tourism.
“We went back into historical archives the best we could without time travelling,” said Kim Kelderhouse, Leelanau Historical Society’s executive director.
Kelderhouse, Adams and the public contributed to the film’s historical depth. Society staff unearthed archived photos and documents, some long forgotten.
“It’s easy to get history wrong,” Kelderhouse said. “We tried to be as accurate as possible. It helps people understand and care for it better.”
While the Society offered material from its collection, public outreach provided personal material showcasing lake connections across the decades.
“We put feelers out to those who might have vintage footage,” Patterson said. “We were surprised by the quality of footage given to us to work with.”
Patterson honed his storytelling craft working for major television networks ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and others.
His Manitou Films also produced “The Light and the Deep – Shipwrecks and Lighthouses of the Great Lakes” and “Spirit of the National Parks.”
Patterson weaves Lake Leelanau’s story from historical voices.
The film quotes diary entries of the daughter of Leland’s original settler. Records from the first official regional survey conducted in 1851 by government surveyor Orange Risdon provides a foundation for the film.
“Not only did he survey counties and lakes for maps, but also recorded cultural sites,” Patterson said.
Eight citizens share their perspectives on Lake Leelanau’s past and present relevance. Featured expert voices address lake biology, hydrogeology and geology. Two elders of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and historian Laura Quakenbush impart their knowledge.
“It’s wonderful that the larger historical community recognizes the value of local history — one we can all celebrate,” Quakenbush said. Quackenbush is the former Eyaawing executive director and curator for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Leelanau Historical museums.
Community support for the film has been strong, bringing to light the love people feel for Lake Leelanau.
“The enthusiasm has been wonderful to witness,” Kelderhouse said.
“Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake” public showings will take place in the coming months, including at The Alluvion in Traverse City on Jan. 28. Visit leelanauhistory.org for details.
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