Our History
Real People Media was founded in 2006 by Michigan filmmakers Jeffrey Morgan, Mary Pierce and Rebecca Glotfelty. The organization received tax-exempt status in 2010, effective February 2007. Formed with the mission to help people share their stories via video production and digital media, Real People Media has provided video production classes and a video lending library to its members and the community.
In 2017, we expanded our mission to "helping people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing, and media arts," and provide classes and events in storytelling. We help people share their stories by hosting exhibit and performance opportunities.
In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building in Calumet for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. In 2020 we started to raise funds to renovate the facility into a performing arts and exhibit Center to include a 100 seat theater for storytelling, planetarium shows, performances of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, concerts, and historical lectures. In addition the Center will feature a puppet theatre, soda fountain, gift shop, and exhibit area.
Storytelling has always been away for people relate to one another. We believe in the power of story to share the human experience and educate our community about social, environmental, and political issues. Real People Media seeks out collaborations with other nonprofits and organizations to tackle issues facing our community. Our motto is "Giving Everyone a Voice."
Real People Media does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
In 2017, we expanded our mission to "helping people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing, and media arts," and provide classes and events in storytelling. We help people share their stories by hosting exhibit and performance opportunities.
In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building in Calumet for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. In 2020 we started to raise funds to renovate the facility into a performing arts and exhibit Center to include a 100 seat theater for storytelling, planetarium shows, performances of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, concerts, and historical lectures. In addition the Center will feature a puppet theatre, soda fountain, gift shop, and exhibit area.
Storytelling has always been away for people relate to one another. We believe in the power of story to share the human experience and educate our community about social, environmental, and political issues. Real People Media seeks out collaborations with other nonprofits and organizations to tackle issues facing our community. Our motto is "Giving Everyone a Voice."
Real People Media does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.