Ruggles, Glenn

Elk Rapids and Walled Lake Mich., local historian.

Glenn Ruggles was born in 1930 in Grand Blanc, Mich., and spent his early youth in Oakland and Macomb Counties. When he was 14 the family moved to a farm located six miles from the village of Elk Rapids on Grand Traverse Bay. His deep love and appreciation for a sense of place have origins during these years. Following military service Ruggles earned bachelor's and master's degrees in history from the University of Detroit. For the next 35 years he was a history teacher in the Walled Lake Public Schools, introducing thousands of students to the excitement of discovering their family heritage and its place in the history of their community and state.

Beginning in the 1960s Ruggles began crafting a compelling approach to bring history alive. He utilized people's personal memories and rare historical images to tell the stories of bygone eras and vanishing places, writing a total of nine published books on aspects of Michigan history.

In collaboration with his colleague Fr. Bob Humitz, Ruggles also worked with the media of film. Their three films utilize oral history interviews and historical and contemporary photographs to bring history alive.

In addition to books and films, Ruggles has directed a number of oral history projects that did not directly lead to publications.

In 1979 Ruggles joined other leaders in the field to establish the Michigan Oral History Association. For over twenty years he participated in numerous ways to advance the mission and goals of the association. His contributions included serving on the board of directors, editing the association's newsletter, and presenting numerous workshops, seminars, and conference presentations.

Condensed from nomination package for Historical Society of Michigan 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award.