Celebrate National Preservation Month with a special screening of Saving the Barn – The Leelanau County Poor Farm, a documentary that brings to life a little-known but important chapter of local history.

The program will begin with remarks from Steve Stier, President of the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society, who will share insights on the ongoing efforts to preserve the Poor Farm barn and the broader importance of saving historic places. Kim Kelderhouse, Executive Director of the Leelanau Historical Society, will speak about the museum and archives’ role in protecting and interpreting the county’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The film, described by filmmaker Joe VanderMeulen as one that “brings to life a little-known part of Leelanau County’s history … a history shared by nearly every other county in Michigan,” combines historian interviews, local elder recollections, and historical imagery to reconstruct the story of the Poor Farm. Founded around 1901, the Poor Farm provided compassionate care and rehabilitation for those in need for many decades.

Following the screening, enjoy a Q&A session and an opportunity to connect with representatives from both LHS and LCHPS.

This event is free and open to the public.