MSU's science and culture museum, has wide ranging collections for the serious scholar that include an AuSable River boat and field research reports and notes including fly tying, fish decoys, fishing, maritime knots, oral histories around Coast Guard life, commercial fishing, and the famous Bay Port whitefish sandwiches.
The Michigan State University Museum sponsors the Michigan Heritage Award program to "honor individuals who continue their family and community folk traditions with excellence through proactive and teachings." In 2013, Carlson's commercial fishery of Fishtown and Wesley Cooper, a bamboo fly rod builder from Fremont, Mich., received this recognition. Dave Kober, from Bear Lake, Mich., also received this award in 1990 for ice fishing decoy carving. Jay Stephan, from Grayling, Mich., was recognized as an Au Sable River boat builder and guide in 1988; and Elman 'Bud' Stewart from Alpena, Mich. was recognized in 1986-87 for fish decoy carving.
What you can do here
Access Fishing History & Culture Research, Gift Shop or Fisheries Items for Purchase, School or Group Tours, View Exhibits
East Lansing, MI 48824
