The Threads of Wisdom visual display, created by Senior Crafting Connections, features messages, memories and life lessons shared by local senior citizens.

Each framed entry offers a glimpse into a lifetime of experience, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on those words and stories told.

The recently debut exhibit is about more than preserving memories — it’s about inspiring meaningful intergenerational connections, said Emma Strom, president and co-founder of the group.

“The hope for the display has always been for people to see it and ask their own loved ones questions about what brings them joy, what advice they would give younger people, and what they have learned — as the seniors in our community have so much shared and valuable wisdom,” co-founder Renee Strom said.

Dickinson County Library Interlibrary Loan Specialist Nikki Younk reads words of wisdom shared by local seniors that are now featured in the Threads of Wisdom display at the library in Iron Mountain. The public is encouraged to come and view the framed reflections in the project. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The display currently includes 21 framed reflections placed throughout the library, with more expected to be added as Senior Crafting Connections hosts additional events this summer.

The entries were gathered during recent visits to Victorian Pines, Optalis and Evergreen Meadows, along with submissions from community members.

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so through a QR code included with the display, allowing additional stories and reflections from local seniors to become part of the growing exhibit.

The idea was to keep the project community-driven while making it easy for people to contribute.

“There’s so much love and laughter in these stories,” Renee Strom said. “The hope is that people see them and then go home and talk to their own loved ones.”

Katie Driscoll’s framed entry in the Threads of Wisdom visual display put together by the Senior Crafting Connections at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Clark Robb, treasurer of Senior Crafting Connections, said the partnership with the Dickinson County Library has been key to bringing the project to life.

“We are so grateful to the library for partnering with us,” Robb said.

The display currently spans across the end caps of seven book shelves of the adult fiction/non-fiction area.

“We’re really excited to support this project and showcase the work these youth have done alongside members of our older generation to bring their stories for public viewing,” said Megan Rose, executive director of the Dickinson County Library.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, Rose added.

“It’s been wonderful to see the intergenerational learning that’s happening as they work alongside local seniors,” she said.

She noted one of the featured community partners is Katie Driscoll, who served on the library’s board of directors for more than 20 years. “Katie says life has taught her ‘to be honest and always be truthful,'” Rose said.

Emma Strom said the experience has been meaningful for volunteers, as well as participants. “The wisdom shared by our senior citizens is truly inspiring, and we are excited to share it with the community,” she said.

Community members are encouraged to visit the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain this summer to explore the display and take part in the collection of shared wisdom.

Senior Crafting Connections is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing loneliness and building connections between generations through crafting, conversation and community engagement opportunities throughout Dickinson County.

For more information about SCC or upcoming programs, go to the Senior Crafting Connection Facebook page or contact the group at seniorcraftconnections@gmail.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.