Dave Boeve

I’m a West Michigan-based storyteller fascinated by the history hidden in everyday places, especially along the lakeshore, working waterfronts, and older industrial spaces of the Great Lakes region. My tours focus on the human stories behind landscapes — the people, commerce, and maritime culture that shaped communities.

I’ve contributed to the three-volume Holland, Michigan history edited by Dr. Robert Swierenga and have been interviewed on local history programs including Talk of the Town with Juke VanOss - 1450am WHTC. I bring both research curiosity and a guide’s sense of narrative to my work.

Outside of history research, I have been a member of Toastmasters International, where I developed public speaking and storytelling skills, and I am a credentialed U.S. merchant mariner holding STCW Certification training. My maritime background helps inform my interest in Great Lakes shipping, port towns, and waterfront industry.

I believe the best stories are often found in places people walk past every day without noticing. Join me to explore the overlooked history of West Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Studs Terkel, Ira Glass, Paul Harvey, and Red Green are my favorite story tellers.