Collecting historical artifacts doesn’t always mean seeking out the old. Museums also collect contemporary artifacts, as well as the stories surrounding those objects, for the benefit of future generations. In this podcast episode Curator Geoff Woodcox and Registrar Sarah Dickinson show some contemporary pieces in the Sloan Museum history collection and the significance they hold for future museum-goers. Sarah also talks about the donation process for anyone who thinks they may have an artifact of significance that will help tell the stories from Flint and Genesee County. You can download a form and learn more about artifact donation at SloanLongway.org/artifact-donation.

Hosts Geoff Woodcox and Sarah Dickenson delve into the backstory of a new community gallery exhibition at Sloan Museum that will open June 25, 2024. “From Crisis to Care” is a community exhibition showcasing the evolution of Hurley Medical Center from one small institution serving Flint to its current status as a Level I trauma center with an international footprint. It also showcases the evolution of emergency response into the system we have now, from your first call to 911 to what happens in the emergency room and general treatment floors.

The exhibit was a year-long, collaborative project between Sloan Museum curatorial staff, Exhibit team members, and staff of Hurley Medical Center who generously provided artifacts and directed the story. Also partnering on the exhibit is Patriot Ambulance Service, which provided artifacts including a real ambulance.

If you have a personal connection to one of our podcast historical topics, an artifact relating to Flint or Genesee County history, or have a burning question prompted by one of our past podcasts, please call (810) 237-3417 and leave a voicemail (we may use your question on air), or email us at Podcast@SloanLongway.org

Wood-paneled vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s became affectionately known as “Woodies” by historic car enthusiasts. Curator of Collections Geoff Woodcox and Registrar and Exhibits Liaison Sarah Dickinson go into the backstories of a wood-paneled 1950 Buick Estate Wagon that’s part of Sloan’s historic vehicle collection. Donated in 1969 by Donald Mitchell, the President of Ionia Manufacturing Company, this “Woodie” is an example of General Motors’ outsourcing for niche vehicles. This podcast episode also gives listeners and viewers insights into the automotive design elements that emerged after WWII and how post-war popular culture influenced both the buyers and the manufacturers.

If you have a personal connection to one of our podcast historical topics, an artifact relating to Flint or Genesee County history, or have a burning question prompted by one of our past podcasts, please call (810) 237-3417 and leave a voicemail (we may use your question on air), or email us at Podcast@SloanLongway.org