A Documentary by the Leelanau Historical Society
About the Documentary
The Search for Anna & Levi: A Lost History of Black Homesteaders in Leelanau County brings to light an overlooked chapter of Leelanau County’s history and the broader story of African American settlement in the Midwest. Directed by Joe VanderMeulen, the film explores the lives of Anna and Levi Johnson — early Black homesteaders whose farm once stood in what is now Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Featuring interviews with descendants, local historians, and regional experts, this documentary offers a heartfelt and personal journey into a past that connects directly to our present.
Project Sponsors
This documentary would not have been possible without the generous support of our grantors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication to honoring the stories of Leelanau County’s diverse past:
- Edmund F. & Virgina B. Ball Foundation
- Anonymous LHS Donor
🎞️ Watch the Trailer
Preview & Premiere Events
In February 2025, we hosted a sold-out Preview Screening at The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay as part of their Made in Michigan Series, which included a Q&A session with the producer, film’s narrator, Isiah Smith, offering audiences a chance to ask questions and share reflections. These conversations have sparked renewed interest in local Black history and inspired ongoing community dialogue.and key participants. The audience praised the film for its emotional depth and insight.
Our Documentary Premiere took place on May 31, 2025, at the Leland Public School Performing Arts Center. Descendants of Anna and Levi Johnson joined as our guests of honor, sharing personal reflections during an engaging post-screening discussion. The premiere drew an enthusiastic crowd from across the region.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
This project began with the research of Kevin Brooks, recipient of the 2023 Leelanau Press Research Fellowship. While exploring his own family roots in Leelanau County, Kevin uncovered a connection to Anna and Levi Johnson. What started as a personal journey evolved into a collaborative effort to document this untold story and reconnect today’s descendants with their powerful heritage.
New Wayside Sign at the Johnson Homestead Site
As a lasting tribute to Anna and Levi Johnson’s legacy, the National Park Service is installing a Wayside Interpretive Sign at the site of the original Johnson family homestead along the Windy Moraine Trail within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This permanent sign will share the story of Anna and Levi Johnson and their connection to the community in Leelanau County with thousands of park visitors each year.
The new exhibit is the result of a collaboration between the Leelanau Historical Society, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore staff, descendants of the Johnson family, and local historians. It ensures that this important chapter of our regional and national history will be preserved and publicly celebrated for generations to come.
Our deepest gratitude to all Involved!
Writer/Producer/Director
Joe VanderMeulen
Cinematography
Joe VanderMeulen
Tom VanderMeulen
Dave Poinsette
Philip Ellis
Music by
John Mauk
Special Thanks to
Isiah Smith, Jr. – Narrator
Kevin Brooks
Carmen Hopson
Coleen Burton
Dr. Shelley Murphy
Andrew White
Kim Kelderhouse
Dr. Anna-Lisa Cox
Dr. Fred L. Johnson, III
Phyllis Lynn Pollard
Calvin Murphy
Associate Producers
Bronwyn Jones
Tom VanderMeulen
Production Assistance
Sarah VanderMeulen
Philip Ellis
Dave Poinsette
Project Assistance
Kristina Mattis, Probate Register
Leelanau County Probate Court
Kathleen Stocking, for the encouragement and inspiration
Dave Taghon and the Empire Area Museum Complex
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum
Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear
Fishtown Preservation
Coming Soon!
Watch The Search for Anna & Levi Documentary online!
More opportunities to see the film in 2025. Stay tuned!
A link will be added here once streaming is available.
Host a Screening
We are excited to offer additional community showings of the documentary by request. If your organization, school, or group would like to schedule a screening, please contact us at info@leelanauhistory.org | (231) 256-7475.
Want to Learn More About Black Homesteaders in the Midwest?
Explore the broader story of Black pioneers and homesteaders across the Midwest with these recommended resources:
- Dr. Anna-Lisa Cox’s Recorded Lecture
“A Free and Independent State:” Leelanau County and its Connection to the American Revolution and the Struggle for Freedom and Equality in Early America. A Lecture with Dr. Anna-Lisa Cox, M.Phil., Ph.D. Presented Live on July 19th 2024. Hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society and Leland Township Public Library. Made possible in part by The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and Michigan Humanities.
Watch on YouTube. - Book: The Bone and Sinew of the Land
Dive deeper into this overlooked history with Anna-Lisa Cox’s acclaimed book, The Bone and Sinew of the Land: America’s Forgotten Black Pioneers and the Struggle for Equality:
Find the book here.