Preserve a Legacy: Nominate the Voices That Shaped Door County

This year, as we mark 100 years of preserving and sharing Door County’s history, we are launching a Centennial Multigenerational History Project—and we need your help.

We are setting out to record 100 oral histories from residents whose lives reflect the spirit, change, and traditions of Door County. These are the stories of growing up here, starting a business, working the land or water, serving the community, raising families, and witnessing how this place has evolved over time.

To make this happen, we are partnering with local high school history students who will conduct the interviews this spring. After completing their exams in May, students will sit down with selected residents for a 30–45 minute recorded conversation. They will also take a photograph and write a 500–800 word narrative that connects the resident’s experiences to broader themes in American history and life today.

All 100 interviews will be compiled into a published book, complete with QR codes linking to the full audio recordings. The result will be a lasting archive—voices preserved not just in print, but in their own words—for future generations.

Now we are asking you: Who should be included?

We are looking for individuals who have lived in Door County for many years, who have deep ties through family, work, service, or tradition, and who are willing to reflect on their experiences. We hope to feature a wide range of perspectives from across the county.

You can nominate yourself. You can nominate a parent, grandparent, neighbor, colleague, or friend. If someone’s story helps tell the story of Door County, we want to hear about them.