Friends Of Sleeping Bear Dunes Is Crowdsourcing Nostalgic National Park Snapshots For New Book

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes nonprofit is creating a crowdsourced book, Picture-Perfect Sleeping Bear, chronicling the history of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through photos in celebration of the Park’s 50th Anniversary.

The curators pose the question in their request for photos: “We have traveled here, sometimes for generations, and created memories of family vacations, weddings, canoe trips, campfires, and hikes. Some of us had family homes and farms that are now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. What is your story?”

The all-volunteer committee is seeking images that fit within the overarching criteria of “Pre-Park” (before 1970) and the decades following until this year — the Park’s 50th anniversary. 

“Most importantly, we are looking to share photos that encompass the best memories made at the Park with your family, friends, and neighbors...and what makes the Sleeping Bear Dunes a special place for many.”

The owners of photos selected for the book will have a caption with their name and description accompanying the photo, plus an invitation to a kickoff event upon the book’s release (when gatherings are approved).

Head here to find out how to submit electronic or hardcopy photos. Deadline for consideration is March 1, 2021. For more information about the book project, email: friendsbook2021@gmail.com.

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is nonprofit whose mission is protecting resources and heightening visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All proceeds from the book will be used for projects within the National Park.