WMU students and faculty contribute to local history exhibit

WMU students and faculty contribute to local history exhibit, "'World's Largest', The Benton Harbor Fruit Market and Southwest Michigan's Fruit Belt"

From 2003-2005, WMU students, under the direction of Prof. Kristin Szylvian (Public History) and the Fort Miami Heritage Society, contributed to the Southwest Michigan Fruit Belt Project--a project that produced the newest local history exhibit at FMHS, "'World's Largest'". Nearly 150 students conducted oral histories, researched artifacts, surveyed cultural resources, and wrote texts that highlighted the strengths and history of Southwest Michigan's Fruit Industry. The exhibit is now on display at the Fort Miami Heritage Society through 2007.

In addition to their work on the exhibit, WMU students created an Online Exhibit showcasing the main aspects of the Fruit Belt Project and "'World's Largest'". This website is completely designed and maintained by WMU students, and now includes a multitude of additional research, Oral Histories, and Educational Resources--including a curriculum guide devoted to teaching primary sources to elementary and middle school students--in addition to the Online Exhibit. Major contributors to this website include recent graduate Jennifer Gaydos, PhD students Joshua Koenig and Christopher Jannings, as well as MA students Jennifer Black and John Stempien. Visit www.michiganfruitbelt.org to view the Online Exhibit, Educational Resources, and Fruit Belt research that underscore the dedication of WMU students and the "fruits" of their efforts.

For information on visiting "'World's Largest'", visit www.fortmiami.org.