About the documentary
Much of the history of the earliest settlements in southeast Michigan lies in the shallow waters of Lake St. Clair just off the coast of Harrison Township.
In 2023, the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) partnered with the Noble Odyssey Foundation to survey and document two historic settlements and bring to light a portion of Macomb County history that has been unknown to all but the most ardent local historians.
The lost village of Belvidere, and the former Church of St. Felicity at L’Anse Creuse are featured in documentary work helmed by former Ford Motor Co. corporate historian Robert Kreipke. His work includes episodes of “The Curse of Oak Island” series as well as nationally recognized films and award-winning programs shown on PBS.
Kreipke, MCPED, and Noble Odyssey Foundation spent much of 2023 gathering historical data, facts, photos and underwater dive filming to help craft the documentary.
The project was funded by a $79,000 grant provided by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, EGLE, with funding through the National Coastal Zone Management Program.
Download and print a copy of the movie poster.
Watch the post premiere Q&A session with those behind 'Hidden Histories"
The panel discussion includes host Gerard Santoro, program director for Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources; Capt. Luke Cyburn, president and founder of the Noble Odyssey Foundation; Robert Krepke, filmmaker historian; Daniel Harrison, professor of anthropology and maritime archaeology; and Wayne Lusardi, state maritime archaeology with the Department of Natural Resources.
About Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is a freshwater lake that lies between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of Michigan. More than 160 miles of physical and augmented coastline lie along the banks off Macomb County (51.4 physical miles), with nearly 11 miles accessible to the public. It has a total surface area of about 430 square miles (1,100 km2) and an average depth of just 11 feet.
Macomb County’s Blue Economy (Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River) provides $1.6 billion in economic value for the region and nearly 18,700 jobs. It has a total surface area of about 430 square miles (1,100 km2) and an average depth of just 11 feet.
Hidden History story map
Financial assistance for this project was provided by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, EGLE, with funding through the National Coastal Zone Management Program.
