Allegan-based writer Larry Massie wins 2021 Michigan Author Award

ALLEGAN — Local writer and storyteller Larry Massie has been selected for the 2021 Michigan Author Award, presented by the Library of Michigan.

Massie has spent several decades writing about Michigan history and lecturing to audiences at schools, libraries, universities and festivals across both peninsulas. Massie has written 20 best-selling books on Michigan.

Massie was born in Allegan in 1947, graduating from Allegan High School in 1964. He is a decorated combat veteran and has three college degrees from Western Michigan University. He previously worked as an archivist at WMU, before becoming a freelance historian and shifting his focus to writing.

Massie's titles include "Voyages into Michigan's Past," "Pig Boats and River Hogs" and "Haven Harbor and Heritage." His work includes compiled histories of Michigan cities and organizations, including Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo. Massie has also written columns for the Ann Arbor News, Bay City Times, Jackson Citizen-Patriot, Muskegon Chronicle and Saginaw News — among others. 

In 2007, Massie was honored with the Historical Society of Michigan's first Lifetime Achievement Award. He resides in Allegan with his wife, Priscilla, a fellow author and historian who specializes in the state's culinary history.

The Michigan Author Award was established in 1992 with the intention of recognizing significant Michigan authors with a lifetime achievement award.