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

Explore Interlochen Stories

Connect with Interlochen's history through the voices of the people who lived and shaped it. New stories are added regularly.

Headshot of J Beery

J Berry

National Music Camp alum and longtime staff and faculty at Camp and Academy

Headshot of Catherine Berger-Dujmovic

Catherine Berger-Dujmovic

National Music Camp alum

Headshot of Eileen Bora

Eileen Bora

Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy alum

Headshot of Robert Bracken

Robert Bracken

Camp and Academy alum and engagement volunteer

Headshot of Ren Casey

Ren Casey

Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy alum

Headshot of Deb Cohen

Deborah Cohen

National Music Camp alum 

Headshot of Ken Dake Jr.

Ken Dake, Jr. 

Camp and Academy alum

Headshot of Tom Frey

Tom Frey

National Music Camp alum

Headshot of Jess-Dalton Hayden

Jess Dalton-Hayden

Interlochen Arts Academy alum

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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)

Headshopts of Susan Snyder Higgins and Carol Koski

Susan Synder Higgins and Carol Koski

National Music Camp alums and life-long friends

Headshot of Richard Kade

Richard Kade

National Music Camp alum

Headshot of Lisa Kearns

Lisa Kearns

Camp and Academy parent and Interlochen Trustee

Headshot of Brenna Lantz-Lewis

Brenna Lantz-Lewis

Camp and Academy alum

Headshot of Mark Mayfield

Mark Mayfield

Camp and Academy alum, Camp parent, volunteer, and donor

Headshot of Sara Ritchie Morgan in 1983

Sara Ritchie Morgan

National Music Camp alum

Headshot of Melissa Niño

Melissa Niño

Interlochen Arts Camp alum

Headshot of Claudia Polley

Claudia Polley

Interlochen Arts Academy alum

Headshot of Doug Shively

Doug Shively

Carpentry Foreman and longtime employee 

Peter Sparling stands smiling with hands outstretched in the Dance Center.

Peter Sparling

Camp and Academy alum

Headshot of Beth Stoner Wiegand

Beth Stoner Wiegand

National Music Camp alum and former employee

 

Headshot of John Dudd

John Dudd

Interlochen Arts Academy, Camp, and University Division alum

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