Search Interviews

Karol Kennedy (59) talks with her mother, Kristina "Kris" Young Smirl (83), about her childhood, parenting, memories, jobs, and hobbies.

Janice Peterson (79) interviews friend Sherryl Engstrom (73), who shares excerpts of letters written to her mother by her father during his World War II enlistment.

Friends Dave Desimone (53), who is the site director of Black Point Estate & Gardens historic house museum, and Laurin Mack (44), who is a descendant of an original Chicago beer baron, Conrad Seipp, discuss Seipp family history and the...

Best friends Sean Payne (57) and Ronnie Mikrut (57) trade family histories, anecdotes about involvement in community businesses and charities, and stories about growing up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Chris Brookes (73) interviews her friend Peter Baker (57) about growing up in Chicago and coming to Lake Ivanhoe, a Black community in southeastern Wisconsin. Peter relates the history of the community from its founding in 1926 up to the...

Spouses Jamie Koch (71) and Cathy Koch (71) reminisce about their family, life in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, their involvement with the church, historic preservation, and their occupations.

Marc Paprzyca (69) and spouse Sylvia Paprzyca (67) talk about life in Chicago and retiring to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They talked about leaving the hustle and bustle of the city life and returning to a resort town.

JaNelle Powers (71) shares life stories with her friend Chris Brookes (73). JaNelle recalls her days as a child actor and model, her marriage and family, moving to Lake Geneva, and purchasing an 1867 French Second Empire house 32 years...

Friends Kathleen Phillips (78) and Chris Brookes (74) discuss the historic area of Maple Park in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Connie Smith (65) has a conversation with her sister Virginia Haag (64) about growing up, work, raising children, hobbies, and faith.

Kelly Davis (44) interviews her conversation partner Diane Marshall (67) about growing up, raising her family, her career, and her dreams for the future.

Spouses Phil Neimeyer (76) and Donna Neimeyer (73) talk about their life stories, reflecting on their many positions in ministry and teaching. They also touch on family, occupations, and dreams.

Friends Kevin Fleming (69) and Kathy Yih (71) discuss their retail business experiences in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Anna Katter (35) interviews Dr. Julie Larsen (65) about memories of her son and Anna's partner, Dr. Ben Larsen, who died in a drowning accident on October 10, 2020. Memories include Ben's love for nature conservation, water sports, and the...

Ed Schwinn, Jr. (74) relays family stories and local history to his son, Andrew Schwinn (38), including insight about the formation of the Schwinn Bicycle Company.

Jim Reynolds (80) talks with friend John Notz (91) about his family history and their influence on the development of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake.

Kelli Cramer (54) talks with her husband John Cramer (59) about the many coincidences that make up their love story and nearly 30 years of happy marriage and partnership together.

Andrea Bryant (83) and her daughter Noelle Bryant-Nanz (60) share family history, discuss their family’s successful business, and Andrea’s philanthropic legacy.

Former colleagues and friends Kathy Klager (65) and Adele Loria (36) discuss their paths to librarianship and what they love about living and working in the Midwest.

Spouses Bill Thompson (77) and Diane Thompson (76) talk about the history of, and their connection to, the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Marilyn Heiden (77) talks with her conversation partner Heather Brewer (54) about her experiences living in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for her entire life.

Susan Picker [no age given] interviews her colleague and co-congregant Ami Samuels (62) about his background and how he came to be a member of Central Synagogue.

Friends John Notz (92) and Grace Hanny (77) discuss their involvement with Black Point Estate and Gardens, from the family's decision to preserve the estate to their decision to donate the property to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Reverend Heather Brewer (53) interviews Sarah O'Reilly (82) about contracting polio at twelve years old and the impact that had on her life.

Mark Braden (71) and his uncle Burly Brellenthin (97) discuss Burly's experiences farming, in school, serving in the military, and working at a Chevy dealership.