Oakland County, MI: Keepers of History
In the charming heart of Oakland County, there’s a dedicated historian on a mission to shine a light on the stories that shaped our local parks and the lives of those who came before us. Carol Egbo, who has been with the Oakland County Parks and Recreation for a decade, is unearthing the rich tapestry of history that lies just beneath our feet.
A Journey that Began with Volunteer Work
Carol began her odyssey in the world of history through volunteer work at Addison Oaks, which is the very first park she set foot in. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only an influential historian but also an archaeology consultant, diving deep into the past to unravel mysteries that linger in the air. With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of passion, Carol is currently focused on 15 parks across the county.
What’s particularly exciting about her work is the emphasis on the indigenous history of the areas—many of which were once working farms. Carol is dedicated to showcasing the lives of the people who once inhabited these spaces. “The work is never done,” she insists, reflecting her continuous quest to discover more about the fascinating past.
Uncovering Hidden Histories
One of Carol’s most poignant discoveries occurred at Seymour Lake Cemetery. While exploring the grounds, she found the graves of six children from the same family who tragically lost their lives to diptheria. This discovery didn’t just stop with the ancient headstones; it led her on a journey to look into the disease and the community that buried their little ones there. Seymour Lake Cemetery is not just a resting place; it is a treasure trove of local history.
Helping Local Communities
Carol’s expertise doesn’t stop with parks and cemeteries. She frequently collaborates with local historical societies to settle the debates of time. In one instance, she was called to investigate a home once believed to be built in the 1890s. With her sharp eye—thanks to the wooden floor beams that spoke volumes—she confidently identified it as an 1880s structure. Small details like these create a richer picture of our local heritage.
Preserving the Legacy of Freedom Seekers
Currently, Carol is diving into independent research focused on the Underground Railroad. Partnering with the Network to Freedom, she’s on a mission to uncover and identify the Freedom Seekers who now lay beneath unmarked graves in the county. Her goal? To see every one of these crucial historical markers properly recognized, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
Roots in Pontiac
Growing up in Pontiac, Carol has a natural connection to the land she serves. Her childhood experiences in a house her friends believed to be haunted sparked her love for history and archaeology. Digging into the past, even discovering broken plates in her backyard, fueled her fascination with the lives that came before her.
An Unexpected Path to Histories
Despite her longstanding passion for history, Carol’s educational journey began on a different path—in pre-med at the University of Michigan. Realizing it wasn’t her true calling, she shifted gears, eventually stepping into teaching and becoming a social studies consultant. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it became challenging for her to engage with students in the way she loved. This led her back into the realm of history, where she could actively share her passion with others.
Engaging & Educating the Community
Thanks to the wonders of technology, Carol has held series of fireside chats virtual lessons on topics ranging from the Civil War to Indigenous histories connected to our parks. All her sessions can be accessed easily, inviting the community to learn and engage with the fascinating past that surrounds us.
Why History Matters
To Carol, understanding history is essential: “You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.” She brings attention to the often-overlooked stories from women, African Americans, and Indigenous groups, pushing for a more inclusive historical narrative. “If we’re not inclusive, we’re not telling the whole story,” she emphasizes.
A Call to Community
For anyone eager to dive into history, Carol’s lessons are open to all. With no pre-registration needed, you can learn at your own pace and discover the remarkable tales that shape our beloved Oakland County. Visit the local parks and cemeteries; they’ve got stories just waiting to be told!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
