Welcome Home, {{first_name|default:Michigander}}!
Since being laid off in April of 2025, I’ve dedicated over 1,000 hours to sharing Michigan history, and another 1,000+ to building the Michigan History Mail Club.
My goal has always been to make Michigan history more accessible and to be proud of the way I do it— instilling pride in our state, connecting people to stories, and sparking curiosity and conversation. That’s what the Michigan History Mail Club means to me and why I’m so grateful to everyone who takes the time to support.
Whether it’s reading this newsletter, sharing, liking, and commenting online, or signing up for the mail club and referring new members, it matters deeply to me. So thank you, thank you, thank you! 💙
MI Moments 🎬
📜 Michigan History Mail Club
Zac here with Welcome Home History, and pre-orders are officially open for the Michigan History Mail Club!
I’m bringing history off the screen and straight to your mailbox, starting with Issue #001 on the iconic Pere Marquette 1225. The document in my hands (see photo below or video links) is a restored replica of the original 1941 locomotive cost estimate.
Every month, members receive a restored replica, a deeply researched story card, collectibles, and a passport stamp—all 100% made in Michigan. Plus, to celebrate our launch, I’m bundling all three 4x6 photo prints seen here!
Head to welcomehomehistory.com to lock in 26% off with our October launch offer!
Bonus History: “The iconic train in The Polar Express movie has a real-life Michigan connection.”
This was the opening line to the 64th video I posted on Facebook—my first one to go viral.
Because of the excitement around that video for both me and those who saw it, I thought: why not launch the Michigan History Mail Club with the Pere Marquette 1225 as my debut topic?
And much to my appreciation, the Steam Railroading Institute was eager to collaborate and support the idea! But this train is just getting started, and to make it successful, I’ll need every history and Michigan lover’s support.
MI Photo 📸
Michigan History Mail Club
A look at Month 1 of the Michigan History Mail Club
MI Spotlight 🔎
Steam Railroading Institute
Established on the site of the former Ann Arbor Railroad steam backshop in Owosso, the Steam Railroading Institute preserves and operates the living machinery of Michigan's golden age of steam.
The crown jewel of the institute is Pere Marquette 1225, a 401-ton 1941 steam locomotive that hauled freight during World War II and famously served as the real-world prototype and sound model for The Polar Express in the 2004 animated film.
Today, visitors can tour the living-history museum , take part in special events, ride heritage train excursions, and engage with Michigan's railroad legacy firsthand—including through educational initiatives like the Michigan History Mail Club.
Location: Owosso
Plan your visit: Steam Railroading Institute
MI Trivia 🤔
In 1941, the massive Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive was built in Ohio by which legendary manufacturer, famed for pioneering the heavy-hauling 'Berkshire' class engine?
Tip: Click or tap on your guess to see if you got it right!
P.S. You can leave us any feedback you may have after making your guess or by replying to this email.
Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac, Founder of Welcome Home History
P.S. Michigan History Mail Club has an awesome referral program! Once you become a member, you’re automatically able to share your unique referral link. I call it Give 26%, Get 26% off. You and the person you refer will both get $3.90 (26% of $15) off your next recurring bill and there is no limit to the amount of referrals you can make.
P.S.S. Have any questions about Michigan History Mail Club? Just hit reply to this email and let me know—I read and answer every response!
