Real People Media (RPM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to help people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. The organization owns and operates the Keweenaw Storytelling Center in Calumet, Michigan. Since 2010, RPM has helped individuals and organizations share stories which educated, entertain, and inspire.  
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RPM hosts storytelling events and classes, provides visual artists with exhibit space, and performance opportunities for storytellers. We provide storytelling activities for all ages, from puppet shows for children, animation and media classes for teens and theatrical events for adults. Come share your story!

the Voice Box Sessions program for youth- starts soon.
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Launched in December of 2012, RPM's Voice Box Sessions features emerging singer-songwriters and musicians. The Voice Box Sessions, provides a warm and supportive environment for artists to perform original work. Following the featured performer, young singer-songwriters and storytellers  participate in our open Mic. 

The Voice Box Sessions is a unique concert series, which not only provides community enrichment, but fosters the artistic development of young performers who are coached by professional mentors. The concerts, which are open to the public by small fee, are videotaped and photographed. Performers are able to use these items for their portfolios,  promotional, or personal development.
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In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building in Calumet by Family Dollar Corporation for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. The Center is located in Calumet's Historic District within the Keweenaw National Historical Park.  We're currently renovating the building to include a 100 seat theatre for storytelling, performances/recordings of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, musical concerts, and historical lectures. The 7,600 square foot facility will also feature a puppet theatre, soda fountain, gift shop, and exhibit area.  Read More and view a slideshow of the renovation from before we acquired it (there had been a roof collapse) until now!
The Keweenaw Storytelling Center offers 15x10 foot display window to local nonprofit organizations on a rotating basis. December's Christmas display was made possible with donated Christmas Village (anonymous) Christmas trees from the Angel Mission, Santa and Elves on loan (anonymous) Train set on loan from Marlene and Philip Glotfelty, lights from Dave Crowley.

"Around the World in 80 Hats" 

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Youth modeling hats from the Linda Weston Collection.
The Storytelling Center is currently closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic.  We are excited for the day when we can open the doors of the center and invite people to experience “Around the World in 80 Hats,” an exhibit of ceremonial and utilitarian hats from around the world. The exhibit, tailored to children and adults alike, features hands-on interpretive centers and will be augmented with performances and activities throughout 2021 which heighten the visitors' understanding and appreciation of art and culture as expressed through these hats.  Featured in the exhibit are approximately 60 international hats from the Linda Weston Collection, 15 vintage hats from Friends of Fashion, and vintage and new utilitarian hats (miner's and firemen's helmet, cowboy hat etc.)  Read More

The Red Jacket Jamboree, a NEW old-time radio variety show!

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Red Jacket Actors (photo by Chelsea Batten)
The Show Goes on! Virtually!
The Red Jacket Jamboree will be recorded in front of a limited socially distanced live audience as well as a virtual audience. Shows include songs, stories, and music which share the history and culture of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula (AKA Copper Country).  Join host Lena Dorey, Martin Achatz (two-time Poet Laureate of the U.P.), the Copper Cats, Red Jacket Actors, and guest performers for an evening of music, songs and comedy! 
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Take Part in the 2021-22 Great Michigan Read!

Real People Media invites residents in the Keweenaw and the Charlevoix area to join in reading and discussing “The Women of the Copper Country,” Mary Doria Russell's riveting account of 25 year old Anna Clemenc as she stood up for the miners and their families during the 1913 copper strike. The book is Michigan Humanities ' choice for the 2021-2022 Great Michigan Read. Real People Media is partnering with Michigan Humanities to distribute free books as well as supporting educational materials in Calumet and Charlevoix. Read More
COVID-19 Pandemic Update
RPM's in person programs are on hold due to COVID-19.   Help us share programs online by donating below!  Subscribe to our e-newsletter and follow our Facebook page to receive updates!

Never Miss a Story!

Real People Media's programs are 
partially supported with grant funding from the following:

Copper Country Preservation

Calumet Historical Walking Tours - To Return in 2021 

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Oak Street Calumet by R. Glotfelty (2020)
Real People Media will offer walking tours of historic Calumet.  The 50-minute tours will start and end at the Keweenaw Storytelling Center.  Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our E-Newsletter to be notified of tours and other activities. Read More