A volunteer board directs LCHPS, along with their active spouses who provide invaluable skills and services to the organization.
President, Joe VanderMeulen is a writer and filmmaker who believes in the power of narrative. He has helped write, direct, and produce a wide range of short films for nonprofits and individuals, ranging from book trailers and creative works to in-depth documentaries. LCHPS is so fortunate that our paths crossed with Joe and that he agreed to direct and film our documentary, Saving the Barn: The Leelanau County Poor Farm.
Throughout his career, Joe VanderMeulen has helped to facilitate community conversations – narratives of place that build social capital and improve local economies while preserving cultural and natural resources for future generations. He has worked to provide significant and meaningful support to nonprofit organizations, local governments and community groups that contribute to the sustainability and resilience of our communities.
Vice President, David Early is the most recent addition to the board of LCHPS. He was born and raised in Missouri but has lived in the Leelanau area for over 50 years. He retired from teaching secondary mathematics at the Leelanau School and the Interlochen Arts Academy. He currently spends time enjoying his garden and woodshop, hiking, reading, travelling, and assisting with various community projects. He and his wife Anne-Marie Oomen live in Empire with their old dog Chester. They built their home using timbers from the original barn on her family’s farm. He is excited about the opportunity to help restore the Poor Farm Barn and through that project to connect history with current community needs and the growth of neighborly activities.
Acting Board Secretary, Andrew White (Andy) first came to Leelanau in 1977 to work at Camp Innisfree in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. He has been involved in local historic preservation efforts at the Glen Arbor and Port Oneida Cemeteries, the Port Oneida School (about which he has written a book), and the Kelderhouse Orchard (as a National Park Service Volunteer). He helped others, including LCHPS before he became a board member, with research projects involving local archival records. He retired from a varied career which included years spent as an engineering officer on Great Lakes bulk carriers (“ore boats”), as an environmental educator, and as a residential builder. He lives in Traverse City. Andy’s most recent accomplishment is as one of five coauthors of the book, Glen Arbor Township, dates. . .
Board Treasurer, Julie Dowd has extensive experience in charitable endeavors, having served on numerous boards throughout the years. Julie dedicated eight years to the Board of Kids in Distress Auxiliary in Weston, FL, where they contributed significantly to the organization’s mission of supporting children and families in need. Additionally, Julie served on the Board of Buckets of Rain for five years, helping to provide sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty. Currently, Julie is serving on the Board of Row by Row in Northern Michigan, continuing their commitment to improve the lives of the underserved by providing nutritious, fresh food and access to clean, fresh water.
With a background in finance, Julie brings valuable expertise to her roles, ensuring effective management and allocation of resources. Outside of her charity work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends in Michigan during the summer months. She resides in Florida in the winter months, which gives her the opportunity to golf all year round.
William Bradley (Scott). Scott is a retired Leelanau County employee. During his years with the County, he was the primary caretaker of Myles Kimmerly Park, along with other responsibilities. Scott is a true history buff and has visited numerous historic sites and national parks in the USA. It is this passion that raised his concern when he got wind of the notion that the County Commissioners were floating the idea of demolishing the Poor Farm Barn within Myles Kimmerly Park. This occurred months before it came to the attention of the media and the public. It is safe to say that Scott is one of the earliest champions of the “Save the Barn” campaign. While we found our footing in forming the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society, Scott found many ways to help us learn as much as possible about the barn.
Scott’s family history has been a major influence on his interest in preservation and rehabilitation. His mother was one of 12 children, 7 boys and 5 girls. When times got impossibly hard during the Depression, the 5 girls were sent to live in a Catholic Orphanage, basically the equivalent of a Poorhouse for orphaned or abandoned children. When Scott looks at the barn and what it symbolizes as the last remaining structure of the Poor Farm, his mother and her siblings come to mind. It is important to Scott that (with our help) these physical representations of our past continue to tell their stories.
Chase Heise joined the board of the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society in 2024. His commitment to preserving our area’s rich history was sparked during his time volunteering at the Poor Farm, where he collaborated closely with Board President Steve Stier on a variety of historic restoration projects.
Chase’s dedication to historic preservation grew through his management of the restoration and rehabilitation of the Leelanau Conservancy’s DeYoung Farmstead—a landmark project that involved the thoughtful restoration of a circa 1860s farmhouse and two timber-framed barns. This experience solidified his desire to become more involved in the preservation efforts of Leelanau County’s historic sites.
Residing in Leelanau County with his wife and their many animals, Chase has plenty to keep him occupied. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and maintaining his homestead. Chase looks forward to ensuring that the county’s rich history remains accessible and meaningful for future generations.
Carrie Young – bio coming soon
Rachel Zemanek – bio coming soon
Thank You to the Founders: Steve Stier, Laurel Jeris, and Barbara Seipker
Beginning with a meeting of the minds about 10 years ago, three volunteer historians formed the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society (LCHPS) to stop county government from demolishing the historic Poor Farm Barn. Barn expert, Steve Stier was joined by local history researchers, Barbara Seipker and Laurel Jeris in launching this nonprofit organization and guiding efforts to stabilize and reinforce the 115-year-old structure. Bringing together a wide array of donors,
volunteers, and professional contractors, our three founders directed the necessary restoration work to secure the barn’s future and preserve a key part of Leelanau County’s history.
We are hugely grateful to Steve, Barbara and Laurel for founding and leading LCHPS and for their many years of service on the Board of Directors. While they are stepping back from their Board assignments, they will stay involved and keep providing guidance to the new directors of LCHPS.