Speaker’s Bureau
Since 1997, Dianna has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic lighthouses, historic sites, paranormal destinations, agricultural offers and other unique destinations in her home state of Michigan. She is a passionate professional speaker, with a degree in communications from Western Michigan University and nearly 40 years’ experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking. Dianna is the author of Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses (2019) and Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes (2022), with a third title about notable figures in Kalamazoo County history expected in 2024.
An established freelance writer, Dianna is a contributor to Michigan Blue Magazine, Michigan Meetings & Events, Lakeland Boating and Michigan History Magazine. Over the years, she has also been published in Michigan Living, Michigan Travel Ideas, Lake Michigan Circle Tour & Lighthouse Guide, Country Lines, Tasters Guild International, Grand Rapids Family, Michigan HOME & Lifestyle, Grand Rapids Magazine, Explore Michigan and SEEN magazine, among others. She is a member of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association and Michigan Writers, in addition to organizing the annual Walloon Lake Writer’s Retreat centered around the works and style of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning author (and former northern Michigan summer resident) Ernest Hemingway.
Dianna is a self-professed armchair historian, tombstone tourist and seeker of the paranormal. She is a proud is a member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Great Lake Lighthouse Keepers Association, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, U.S. Lighthouse Society, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Michigan Maritime Museum, National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Michigan Hemingway Society, The Hemingway Society, F. Scott Fitzgerald Society and International Buster Keaton Society. Over the years, she’s been involved in countless organizations such as the Michigan One Room Schoolhouse Association, Allegan County Tourist Council, Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance and Downtown Market Grand Rapids Board. Dianna sits on the board of the West Michigan Tourist Association, Michigan Cares for Tourism and Ferris State university Hospitality Advisory Board. She is the publicist for the Michigan Brewers Guild and Hop Growers of Michigan, and is Executive Director of the Kent County Hospitality Association.
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Program Lineup
Notable Figures in Kalamazoo Area History
A supplement to Kalamazoo County Characters, coming out in January 2025 from The History Press, this program introduces audience to an array of individuals who were either born or lived in the Kalamazoo area over the past two centuries, making their mark on its history in one way or another. From founding fathers to early innovators, groundbreakers to entrepreneurs, artists to authors and athletes to entertainers, this presentation features some well-known names as well as others who have their own unique stories to tell. While some of those in the presentation are also profiled in the book, many are included because the just didn’t fit within the manuscript’s word limits but are too interesting not to share.
Novel Destinations in Michigan
Many noteworthy authors have been born in, lived in or written about the Great Lakes State… and you’d be surprised how many historical sites and communities welcome you to explore the history of these noted writers. From children’s stories written by Chris Van Allsburg of Grand Rapids, short stories from Ernest Hemingway and poetry from Carl Sandburg to true crime by John D. Voelker, classic romance with a side of sci-fi by Richard Matheson and adventurous tales by James Oliver Curwood. This journey around Michigan will introduce you to these and many other writers, their hometowns and their stories.
Carnegie Libraries in Michigan
During his lifetime, American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (who was actually born in Scotland) donated money for the construction of more than 2,470 libraries around the world between 1883 and 1929. In Michigan, 61 of these libraries were built throughout both peninsulas in the early 1900s and many still house books and welcome readers, while others have found other purposes in their communities. A handful have been lost to time. Step inside these historic structures (theoretically) and learn about the impact they made on the towns in which they were built.
Paranormal Tourism in Michigan
Thanks to a plethora of cable shows, books and podcasts, there is a growing interest around the world in what is called “Dark Tourism” – specifically haunted sites and events. Not to be confused with seasonal “haunted house” attractions, these year-round destinations are as much about digging up history as they are about the hunt for spirits and connecting with the afterlife. Dianna Stampfler – author of “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” and “Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes” – has been writing about haunted restaurants, hotels, attractions, tours and festivals around Michigan for years (mostly based on first-hand research). Over the years, she’s connected with several mediums, investigators, paranormal groups, tour operators and event planners who not only recognize the impact that paranormal tourism has on their communities but they celebrate their haunted history in a respectful, educational and entertaining way. This presentation will shed light on the history of Michigan’s dark side and provide ideas for paranormal tourism destinations and events in the state.
Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes
Losing one’s life while tending to a Great Lakes lighthouse — or any navigational beacon anywhere in the world for that matter — sadly wasn’t such an unusual occurrence. The likelihood of drowning while at sea or becoming injured while on the job ultimately leading to death were somewhat common back in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Death by murder, suicide or other unnatural and tragic causes, while rare, are not unheard of. In fact, more than dozen lighthouse keepers around the Great Lakes met their maker at the hands of others – by fire, poisoning, bludgeoning and other unknown means. A handful of these keepers, either because of depression or sheer loneliness, took their own lives. A few we may never know the true story, as the deaths now 100 or more years ago, weren’t subjected to the forensic scrutiny that such crimes are given today. In the pages of Death & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: A History of Misfortune & Murder – coming out in March 2022 from the History Press – you’ll find an amalgamation of true crime details, media coverage and historical research which brings the stories to life… despite the deaths of those featured.
Spanning History – Discovering Michigan’s Covered Bridges
Beginning in the 1800s, covered bridges were being constructed around the country to help locals (and visitors) get across the many rivers and streams that meandered through the countryside. Those early builders thought it was easier to climb atop the structures to replace roof shingles when necessary rather than working while standing in the water to repair floorboards that deteriorated over time. Between the mid-1860s and 1880s, a handful of these beautiful bridges were built throughout rural Michigan although over time most have been damaged by Mother Nature or worse yet, vandals. Thankfully, most have been rebuilt and feature historical markers which will share their stories for generations to come. Some bridges have been moved to Michigan from other states, or transplanted from private property to county or regional parks making them accessible for others to enjoy.
Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses
What is it about lighthouses that attract ghostly spirits? Maybe it’s simply a passion that will not go away. Lighthouse keepers were known to be extremely dedicated to their profession and it seems that many were never able to give it up — even after death. More than 30 lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted. From the smell of cigar smoke at Seul Choix Point Light to the mysterious housekeeping at White River Light Station and the antics at Waugoshance Shoal, these stories will entertain all ages. This popular program is coming from the pages of “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” — a book by Dianna Stampfler, published in spring 2019 by The History Press. Read the Table of Contents for the list of featured lighthouses.
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Ladies of the Lights (Michigan & Great Lakes editions)
They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies, as well as handouts including the list of featured ladies and additional reading references for attendees.
Michigan’s Lighthouse Matriarch: Elizabeth Whitney Williams
An in-depth look at the illuminating life of Elizabeth (Whitney) VanRiper Williams – Michigan’s most noted female lighthouse keeper. Born in 1844 on Mackinac Island, Elizabeth led a colorful life in northern Michigan including time on St. Helena Island, Manistique, Traverse City and Beaver Island – during the years when self-proclaimed King James Jesse Strang reigned. A teenage bride, she and her husband – Clement VanRiper – moved into the St. James Harbor Light at Whiskey Point (one of two lighthouses on Beaver Island) in 1869 and thus began her 44 year career as a tender of now historic beacons. When Clement died in a shipwreck rescue attempt, Elizabeth was appointed head keeper of her beloved light. She later remarried (Daniel Williams) and ultimately relocated to the new Little Traverse Lighthouse at Harbor Point in Harbor Springs, retiring in 1913. She and Daniel lived another 26 years in nearby Charlevoix, both passing away in January 1938 (within 24 hours of each other).
Made in the Mitten: Savoring Michigan’s Rich Foodie & Ag History
Michigan is the second-most agriculturally-diverse state in the country. From cherries and grapes to blueberries and pumpkins, peaches and apples to asparagus and celery (and many, many more), the Great Lakes State is often referred to as the “Mitten of Plenty.” Add to that a growing industry focused on locally-sourced products such as cheese, poultry, sauces, jams, breads, chocolates and SO much more, and you have a feast just waiting to be devoured. Michigan is also home to many significant food manufacturers — such as Kellogg’s, Better Made Potato Chips, American Spoon Foods, Biggby Coffee, Jiffy Mix and Kowalski meats, just to name a few — that have helped shape Michigan’s culture. This program will not only introduce audiences to Michigan’s rich foodie and agricultural history, but will allow everyone to sample a few Michigan-made products as well!
Uniquely Michigan
Michigan is home to countless “one of a kind” treasures – from the famed Mackinac Bridge to the internationally-recognized Scottville Clown Band and the uniqueness of the Petoskey Stone to the quaint Earl Young Homes in Charlevoix. Attractions – such as the Bottle House Museum in Kaleva, the Mystery Spot in Saint Ignace and the replica of the Eifel Tower in Paris – make for great adventures when traveling the Great Lakes State. Settle in for a virtual tour of some of Michigan’s noted, as well as many of its lesser known, sites worth visiting on your next road trip.
Circling Lake Michigan: 1100 Miles of History, Arts & Culture
Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations — but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route wasn’t established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, an internationally-recognized urban center and one “modern marvel” — the Mackinac Bridge. You are invited to take a virtual tour to some of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour’s well-known destinations and its best kept secrets with Dianna Stampfler, who worked for 7 years at WMTA as a primary researcher and promoter of the route.
Michigan’s Winter Playground
Michigan is a giant snow-filled playground when Mother Nature rolls out the winter carpet. Miles of trails available for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, dozens of slopes for downhill skiing and acres of wooded areas for snowshoeing are just waiting to be explored. There’s also plenty of opportunity for more extreme activities such as luging, rafting, ice sailing, camping and dogsledding. Those looking for less actual activity will enjoy one of many winter food offerings, including the Gourmet Glide, Zhivago Night, Mountaintop Dinners and Elk Viewing Carriage Rides. Don’t forget about the festivals such as Tip Up Town, Suds-n-Snow, Toast the Passion, Motown Winter Blast and the Women’s Winter Tour. Learn about the exciting things just waiting to be experienced in Michigan during the winter.