Learning Resource:

People of the Sturgeon Oral History Collection

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish is a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the decision was made to preserve the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Audio rights to Oshkosh Public Museum and UW Board of Regents.

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The GLFHT is Getting an Upgrade—More to Explore This Summer!

With financial support from America250MI, we are excited to enhance the GLFHT website! We’re delivering a more accessible, user-friendly experience and expanded stories that celebrate fisheries heritage in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region.

Some highlights include new trail stories featuring local voices, curated educational resources for youth and educators, additional places to explore in our directory, and more ways to connect with coastal communities through history, culture, and stewardship.

The first phase of the upgraded site launched in June, with more content coming in August 2026. Thank you for visiting!

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