Heritage Center
Over the past 12 years, Heritage Center students have volunteered over 20,000 hours preserving Jackson’s unique stories. At the Jackson College Heritage Center, students learn the value of contributing to a cause greater than themselves, uncovering the untold stories of Jacksonians who shaped American history.
Led by Professor Diana Agy, students, and community members answer a call first made by William Maher in 2006 to inspire young people with these lost stories. The students are unpaid volunteers, dedicating time during breaks and weekends, despite busy schedules, to bring these stories to life.
Through their work, students connect with their heritage, discovering ancestors who played pivotal roles in American history—from early pioneers to industry leaders, aviation trailblazers, and even Tuskegee airmen. The Heritage Center is committed to making the invisible visible.
Projects
2019 Project
Going Home: A Story About Sacrifice, Courage, and Friendship
In 2019, Jackson College Heritage Center students learned about SERVICE with the going Home: A Story About Sacrifice, Courage, and Friendship project. The film takes us back to the early 20th Century when three young men developed a friendship that would last for over 100 years. Bill Maher, Zenneth Pond, and Elwood Bailey grew up children of the Great Depression and relied on what some call “the Jackson Hustle” to make their way in the world. They were fearless and lived life to the fullest. Each were pioneers in the early aviation field, and they were taught to fly by one of Jackson Junior College’s champions, Frank Dove. All found their way to the battlefield; two lost their lives over the Pacific; and one spent a lifetime trying to bring his two friends “home.” A documentary film and art display, as well as oral interviews were part of the project.
2017 Project
A Memorial to Jackson Junior College Student Lt. Zenneth Pond
In 2017, Jackson College students learned about CARING when they created a tribute to Jackson Junior College alumnus, Lt. Zenneth Arthur Pond. Students pored through journals, tax records and antique photos as they researched Zenneth Pond’s family and that of his college friend, William Maher. It was Maher’s lifelong wish to have his friend remembered. Jackson College students fulfilled this wish. They created a documentary film titled: “Answering the Call: A Memorial to Jackson Junior College Student Lt. Zenneth Pond” and two large genealogy quilts.
2015 Project
150 Years of Libraries in Jackson County
By creating a film, a booklet, and a museum display, Jackson College students practiced community SERVICE, as they helped publish 150 years of libraries in Jackson County. Partnering with local institutions, they recorded oral histories over a period of eight months, analyzing primary sources and scanning more than 600 photos. Student efforts were acknowledged at three community events.
2014 Project
Honoring the Red Cross Effort in Jackson and Adrian Counties
Jackson College students demonstrated CARING when they partnered with local museums in Jackson and Lenawee counties to honor the Red Cross effort. Students created a booklet, a film collage, and a portion of a museum exhibit for the Adrian Red Cross Project. For both the Lenawee and Jackson museum displays, students conducted research, recorded oral histories, scanned photos, and analyzed primary sources. Jackson College students were honored at the Lenawee County Museum Annual Dinner.
2013 Project
Yeager Family Archiving Project
Jackson College students sorted, labeled, archived, and cataloged over 100 primary sources, highlighting three generations of a Jackson, Michigan family. Their SERVICE work, artifacts and catalog were donated to the Ella Sharp Museum.
2013 Project
Mrs. Stocks Park Oral History Project
Jackson College students COLLABORATED with local Hillsdale County officials and institutions to create a documentary film detailing Mrs. Stock’s Park and the Stock’s Flour Mill. Students collected 15 oral histories, scanned over 50 photos, and edited the documentary film. A celebration at Mrs. Stock’s Park honored the students, where they previewed the film with the general public.
2012 Project
Jackson During the Great Depression
Jackson College students created a traveling museum highlighting the experiences of Jackson residents during the Great Depression. Students recorded and transcribed 20 oral histories, thus INCLUDING new voices in the discourse. They also helped author a booklet and created displays. The traveling museum was featured at libraries across Jackson. Students researched in microfilm, scanned 100s of photos, and wrote museum labels.
2010 Project
Cascades Sparks Museum Renovation Project
Jackson College students COLLABORATED with local institutions to renovate the Cascades Museum in Jackson, Michigan. Students sorted, cataloged, photographed, and helped preserve over 600 artifacts from the museum. They created a catalog showcasing each artifact with a label and an image. The museum was deconstructed and redesigned with the help of community members. Students were honored at a ribbon cutting ceremony. Every year Jackson College alumni help winterize the museum in the fall and then ready it for the spring opening.
2009 Project
Cascades Oral History Project
Jackson College students worked with the Jackson County Revive the Pride Committee to film a short documentary detailing the history of Cascades Park in Jackson, Michigan. Students collected 22 oral histories, scanned over 75 photos, and helped edit the film. Their QUALITY work was honored at a celebration at the Cascades Park where the film was shown.
2008 Project
Library of Congress Veterans History Project
Jackson College students learned about LEADERSHIP when they interviewed 22 veterans from across the state as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. A short film featuring the interviews was shown at a reception. Students scanned photos and helped edit the script. The Library of Congress National Database houses many of these interviews.
2007 Project
The Homeplace During Wartime
Jackson College students created six showcase displays, displaying hundreds of artifacts from past American time periods. They demonstrated CARING by invitinglocal community members to share their photos, artifacts, and stories.
Share your story
You’re a part of Jackson County’s rich history! From first jobs to family tales, military service to local businesses, your unique experiences shape who we are.The Jackson College Heritage Center collects, preserves, and shares these local histories. Please take a moment to share your stories with us!
how can you help?
Our projects rely on private donations from community members like you. Your generosity directly funds project costs, from videographers to exhibit supplies and essential technology. Your contribution will have a significant and lasting impact for years to come.
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