In this enchanting episode of the Life In Michigan podcast, we’re joined by Mary Stewart Adams, star lore historian and passionate advocate for dark skies. Mary shares her incredible journey from studying English literature to becoming a cultural storyteller of the night sky—and how a serendipitous encounter on an airport tarmac led to the founding of Michigan’s first International Dark Sky Park.
What You’ll Hear About in This Episode:
* Mary’s path to becoming a “star lore historian” and why she made up her own job title
* How cultural history and celestial storytelling intertwine
* The founding of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Emmet County and the magic of its creation
* Why preserving darkness matters—for our health, the environment, and our connection to the cosmos
* Stories in the stars: from Mother Goose to Native American legends to planetary dynamics
* Mary’s advice for stargazing and her tips for first-time visitors to a dark sky park
* What it means to “seek a star”—and how the sky affirms our humanity
Mary also shares ways we can all be better stewards of the night: from evaluating your home’s outdoor lighting to learning the names of constellations and supporting local dark sky initiatives.
You can listen to Mary’s ongoing weekly podcast, The Storyteller’s Night Sky, wherever you get your podcasts or visit her website: storytellersnightsky.com
Recommended Resources from Mary
* Star Tales of Mother Goose by Mary Stewart Adams (available on her site)
* Star Songs and Water Spirits, edited by Victoria Brehm
* Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning by Richard Hinckley Allen
* Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar – Michigan State University
Final Takeaway
This episode is a lyrical reminder that we are not separate from the sky—we belong to it, and it belongs to us. Whether you’re on the shores of Lake Michigan or peeking out your window in Ann Arbor, there’s always a story above, waiting to be told.
