The Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society - in partnership with the Empire Area Heritage Group and Leelanau Historical Museum - is looking for memories and memorabilia from the public related to the Leelanau County Poor Farm on Burdickville Road across from Myles Kimmerly Park near Maple City.

According to a press release, the organization is "looking for any stories, photos, or items from this farm, which was referred to as the County Farm by the community. You are our link to documenting this important history." Between 1900 and 1960, the working farm housed up to 20 residents at a time who helped to run the property. In addition, the farm had a managing family living there, as well as hired help.

Members of the public who have stories, photos, or other documents or memorabilia related to the farm are asked to come to a Discovery Day on Saturday, July 14 between 10am and noon at Kasson Township Hall at 10988 South Newman Road in Maple City. "With your permission, we would like to scan and document these photos, take notes, and/or audio record your recollections," the nonprofit states. "This information then will be organized, catalogued, stored, and made publicly available at the Leelanau Historical Society Museum as a part of the Leelanau County Poor Farm Collection."

A second Discovery Day is planned for Saturday, July 28 from 10am to noon at Kasson Township Hall. That event will be held with the Coleman family; the family's relatives, George and Mabel (Ashmore) Coleman, managed the farm from 1925 to 1960. The grandchildren "have fond and detailed memories of their time spent every weekend at the farm...they look forward to sharing these stories and their family photographs that day," according to the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society.

Both events are being partially funded by the Michigan Humanities Council and National Humanities Endowment. Those who want to contribute to the Leelanau County Poor Farm Collection but can't attend Discovery Day can contact Barbara Siepker at 231-334-4395 or siepker@aol.com.