Interlochen Oral History Project


In 2028, Interlochen will celebrate 100 years of world friendship through the universal language of the arts. You can help document and preserve our rich heritage by sharing memories of your Interlochen experience and the lasting impact of your time between the lakes. We hope to gather stories from every corner of the Interlochen community and want to hear from you!

About the Project

Your stories and reflections will be collected in a digital library available online as part of Interlochen's Centennial Celebration and preserved in Interlochen's archives into the future. We hope to gather stories from every corner of the Interlochen community and want to hear from you! 

Wondering if you have a story to share? Here are some questions to consider:

  • How did you learn about Interlochen, and what drew you here?
  • What’s your favorite memory from your time at Interlochen?
  • Who was the most memorable person you encountered at Interlochen, and why?
  • What did you learn at Interlochen that turned out to have a significant impact on your life?
  • What project or performance stands out in your memory?
  • What lasting friendships did you form at Interlochen?
  • How did your time at Interlochen influence your personal and professional journey?
  • What advice would you give to current and future students at Interlochen?
  • Why does art matter in the world today?

Share Your Story 

We want to hear from you! Share memories of your Interlochen experience and the lasting impact of your time between the lakes. You can schedule an in-person interview while on campus or via Zoom from wherever you are. Don't miss this opportunity to be a lasting part of Interlochen history.

Schedule Now

Practice cabins at Interlochen Arts Camp
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"I just think the memories are special. And until you've experienced Interlochen, at least for one summer, you might not understand the magic of the place."

- Mark Mayfield (IAC/NMC 65, IAA 66-69)

Explore Interlochen Stories

Connect with Interlochen's history through the voices of the people who lived and shaped it. Scroll through stories or search by arts area, person type, division, or decade. New stories are added regularly. 

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"Her whole experience here was good for me to see just how well she was being educated, not just as an artist, but as a human being. And, as a parent,  that's really all that you really want, right? It's wonderful that my daughter's talented, but it's more important to me that she take her talent and go out and do good in the world."

- Lisa Kearns (Camp and Academy parent and Interlochen Trustee)

Interviewers

The Interlochen Oral History Project is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteer interviewers with a deep interest in Interlochen and in gathering, sharing, and preserving oral history.  An Oral History Fellow joins our team each summer to facilitate interviews with alumni, faculty, staff, and other members of the Interlochen community during Interlochen Arts Camp. 

Headshot of Juwan Holley

Juwan Holley

Oral History Fellow (2026)

Headshot of Elizabeth Flood

Elizabeth Flood

Oral History Fellow (2025)

Headshot of Brad Bailey

Brad Bailey

Oral History Fellow (2024)

Headshot of Meryl Krieger

Meryl Krieger, Ph.D.

Instructional Designer, Lecturer, and Career Coach

Headshot of Eileen Ganter

Eileen Ganter

Archivist and Curator of the Greenleaf Collection of Musical Instruments

Headshot of Ian Jones

Ian Jones

Director of Engagement

Share Your Story 

We want to hear from you! Share memories of your Interlochen experience and the lasting impact of your time between the lakes. You can schedule an in-person interview while on campus or via Zoom from wherever you are. Don't miss this opportunity to be a lasting part of Interlochen history.

Schedule Now

Practice cabins at Interlochen Arts Camp

A Century of Artistry

110000

Alumni

110

Countries

100

Years