Soup-er Sunday Speaker Series

The Journey to Wild Goose Lake (WGL)
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Social Hall – Chelsea First UMC

Michael Russell (resident of WGL), Mark Baker (resident and descendant of WGL Founder), along with Laura Damschroder (Chelsea resident and budding local historian), will tell the story of WGL—a community just up the road from Chelsea. A unique partnership of investors created a lake resort community for Black families when there were few, if any, options for land ownership and recreation within Washtenaw County (or beyond).

This is a story that travels the Underground Railroad, touches down in communities of Freedom Seekers in Canada, sparks local entrepreneurship, and—against all odds—continues to enrich an entire community to this day.

Following the presentation, please join us for a soup and salad dinner and discussion.
Soup will be provided—bring a salad or a dessert to share! This is a wonderful time to continue the conversation, share reflections, and ask questions with others around the table.