About
Real People Media (RPM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization helping people share personal stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. Storytelling helps to build community as it allows people "step into another's shoes" creating understanding and compassion for others in our community and beyond. The organization owns and operates the Keweenaw Storytelling Center in Calumet, Michigan which is located in a historic 1948 Woolworth's building. The building was gifted to the organization by the Family Dollar Corporation in 2019.
In February 2024, RPM received a construction permit to build a lower power FM radio station at our community center. WRJX-LP 94.1 will broadcast episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree as well as other educational and inspirational community programs. Real People Media hopes to be on air at the end of 2024.
Since 2010, RPM has helped individuals and organizations share stories which educated, entertain, and inspire.
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!
In February 2024, RPM received a construction permit to build a lower power FM radio station at our community center. WRJX-LP 94.1 will broadcast episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree as well as other educational and inspirational community programs. Real People Media hopes to be on air at the end of 2024.
Since 2010, RPM has helped individuals and organizations share stories which educated, entertain, and inspire.
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!
Our History
Real People Media was founded in 2006 by Michigan filmmakers Jeffrey Morgan, Mary Pierce and Rebecca Glotfelty. The organization received tax-exempt status in 2010, effective February 2007. Formed with the mission to help people share their stories via video production and digital media, Real People Media has provided video production classes and a video lending library to its members and the community.
In 2017, we expanded our mission to "helping people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing, and media arts," and provide classes and events in storytelling. We help people share their stories by hosting exhibit and performance opportunities.
In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building by the Family Dollar Corporation in Calumet for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. In 2020 we started to raise funds to renovate the facility into a performing arts and exhibit Center to include a 100 seat theater for storytelling, planetarium shows, performances of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, concerts, and historical lectures. The Center features a puppet theatre, soda fountain (coming in 2024), gift shop, and exhibit area.
Storytelling has always been away for people relate to one another. We believe in the power of story to share the human experience and educate our community about social, environmental, and political issues. Real People Media seeks out collaborations with other nonprofits and organizations to tackle issues facing our community. Our motto is "Giving Everyone a Voice."
Real People Media does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
In 2017, we expanded our mission to "helping people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing, and media arts," and provide classes and events in storytelling. We help people share their stories by hosting exhibit and performance opportunities.
In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building by the Family Dollar Corporation in Calumet for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. In 2020 we started to raise funds to renovate the facility into a performing arts and exhibit Center to include a 100 seat theater for storytelling, planetarium shows, performances of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, concerts, and historical lectures. The Center features a puppet theatre, soda fountain (coming in 2024), gift shop, and exhibit area.
Storytelling has always been away for people relate to one another. We believe in the power of story to share the human experience and educate our community about social, environmental, and political issues. Real People Media seeks out collaborations with other nonprofits and organizations to tackle issues facing our community. Our motto is "Giving Everyone a Voice."
Real People Media does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
