Windows to Our Past

Windows to Our Past is a documentary film series produced by Mike Mort of Equity Studios. Each film takes a deep dive into an aspect of Sturgis history and premières in the fall at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Follow our social media to learn about the next film.

We are truly grateful for the generosity of sponsors and in-kind supporters for the Windows to Our Past project:

Sponsors:

• City of Sturgis
• The Newell A. and Grace A. Franks Fund (a fund within the Sturgis Area Community Foundation)
• Sturgis Area Community Foundation

In-Kind Supporters:

• Sturges-Young Center for the Arts
• Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
• Willer’s Shoe Store
• York Mercantile

Windows to Our Past Films:

• At the Depot – A community works together to do something wonderful for their town: move the century-old train depot from its original location to a more central, downtown spot. Premiere: fall 2014
• At the Depot II – A four-year journey to bring the town’s history to life; the making of Sturgis Historical Museum – At the Depot. Premiere: spring 2018
• Dog Town – Life in a unique, working-class neighborhood called Dog Town. Premiere: spring 2019
• Voices of Dark Lake – The African American history of Sturgis, Michigan. Premiere: fall 2019
• City Works – How our city gets things done, both then and now. Premiere: fall 2021
• The Giving Town – The Story of Philanthropy in Sturgis, Michigan Premiere: summer 2022
• Journey of the 11th – The story of Sturgis and the Civil War. Premiere: fall 2022
• Crescendo! – 150 years of music in Sturgis, Michigan. Premiere: fall 2023

Still to come:

• A +  The story of education in Sturgis, Michigan.
• In Our Native Land – Native American history of the Sturgis area.
• Downtown – Welcome to the heart of our city, then and now.
• Vencinos y Amigos – The story of our Latino friends and neighbors.
• Icons of Industry – Six men with bold ideas for advancing Sturgis’s small-town economy.
• Small Town Faith – The diversity of faith in Sturgis, Michigan.
• Batter Up – 100 years of sports in Sturgis, Michigan.