STEP INTO MUSKEGON’S STORY
History doesn’t have to stay in a book.
A fast-moving live performance brings the people, energy and extraordinary story of Muskegon’s lumber era directly into local elementary schools.
WHAT STUDENTS WILL DISCOVER
Muskegon’s story is more than dates and names. Students will discover how forests, rivers, ships and people helped build a booming lumber community—and how the choices people made helped shape the Muskegon they know today.
THE FORESTS
Why Michigan’s white pine brought people and industry to Muskegon.
THE PEOPLE
Workers, families, entrepreneurs and children all played a part in turning a lumber settlement into a community.
THE WATER
How Muskegon Lake, rivers and Lake Michigan moved logs, lumber and people.
THE LUMBER BOOM
How sawmills, workers and lumber helped Muskegon grow into one of Michigan’s most important lumber centers.
WHAT CAME NEXT
When the great lumber era ended, Muskegon faced change—and found new ways to work, grow and build its future.
WHAT IS STEP INTO MUSKEGON’S STORY?
Step Into Muskegon’s Story is a lively, approximately 10-minute traveling performance created especially for elementary students. Two actors race through Muskegon’s lumber-era story, changing characters with hats, scarves and simple props while music and sound effects help bring the adventure to life.
The program introduces children to the people, events and ideas that helped transform Muskegon from a lumber town into a community. It is designed to be entertaining first—but beneath the fun is real local history and an invitation for students to discover that the place where they live has a remarkable story of its own.
DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS
We know teachers already have full schedules. Step Into Muskegon’s Story is designed to make participation simple.
We come to you. Our small traveling company brings the performance, costumes, props, music and sound cues needed to present the program in your school.
Minimal preparation. Teachers will receive straightforward information in advance, but no extensive classroom preparation is required.
Built for elementary students. The approximately 10-minute performance is fast, humorous and highly visual, with rapid character changes that keep young audiences engaged.
Learning can continue afterward. Teacher resources and student materials will provide opportunities to explore Muskegon history beyond the performance.
TEACHER RESOURCES
The performance is only the beginning.
Teachers will have access to simple classroom materials that help students explore the people, places and ideas introduced in the performance—without creating a new lesson-planning burden.
TEACHER GUIDE
Background information, historical context and suggestions for using the program with students.
MUSKEGON HISTORY RESOURCES
Stories, photographs and videos that help students explore Muskegon’s history beyond the performance.
Teacher resources are being developed for Spring 2027 and will be available here before school visits begin.
STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET
An age-appropriate way for students to remember, discuss and explore what they discovered.
DISCUSSION & FOLLOW-UP
Simple questions and classroom activities teachers can use to continue the conversation after the performance.
BRING STEP INTO MUSKEGON’S STORY TO YOUR SCHOOL
We’re planning a limited number of school visits on selected Tuesday afternoons in Spring 2027.
Because our performers and production team are community volunteers, the number of school visits we can provide will be limited. We invite Muskegon County elementary schools to express their interest early.
Completing this form does not reserve a performance. It helps our education team understand school interest, student numbers and scheduling needs as we develop the Spring 2027 tour.