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About This Project
A documentary-style exploration of the Van Dyke family's journey from Dutch New Netherland to the Oklahoma Plains
The Noel McMichael Collection tells the story of four family lines across four centuries—not as a dry genealogical catalog, but as a living narrative that connects personal lives to the great sweep of American history.
From the Dutch settlers who arrived in New Netherland in the 1600s, to William Van Dyck who stood in the heat of the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, to Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke who practiced law in Oklahoma Territory, to Lenore Arnett Young who lived an entire century from 1918 to 2018—this is a story of migration, service, resilience, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people who built America.
Our approach is inspired by Ken Burns' documentary style: intimate storytelling grounded in primary sources, archival authenticity, and emotional resonance. This is not just our family's story—it's a lens through which to understand American history itself.
Wherever possible, we rely on primary source documents: Revolutionary War pension applications, land records, census data, SAR certificates, personal letters, and family photographs. Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke's handwritten autobiographical letter (circa 1931) provides firsthand testimony of pioneer life in Iowa and early Oklahoma.
We're transparent about what we don't know. Research notes on each page identify areas where records are incomplete, contradictory, or still being investigated. Family history is detective work, and we show our process.
Every individual story is placed within its historical context: the Dutch colonial experience, the Revolutionary War's impact on New Jersey communities, westward migration patterns, Oklahoma Territory's development, and the dramatic changes of the 20th century.
Benjamin's collection of 93 glass plate photographs (circa 1890s-1920s) has been digitized and preserved here. His letter, his SAR certificate, and other documents are displayed with transcriptions for accessibility and long-term preservation.
This site is built with modern web technologies to ensure accessibility, performance, and long-term maintainability:
The design aesthetic draws inspiration from Ken Burns documentaries, period typography, and archival presentation—warm sepia tones, parchment textures, and elegant serif fonts that evoke historical authenticity while remaining clean and modern.
This project stands on the shoulders of family members who preserved documents, told stories, and passed down heritage.
This website was created and is maintained by Noel McMichael, great-great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin Van Dyke and grandson of Lenore Arnett Young.
Drawing on decades of family stories, archival research, and a deep commitment to historical accuracy, Noel has crafted this digital memorial to honor the Van Dyke family's remarkable journey through American history. The site combines modern web technology with classic documentary storytelling to make four centuries of family heritage accessible and engaging.
Through careful curation of primary sources—from Revolutionary War records to glass plate photographs to handwritten memoirs—this project preserves not just names and dates, but the living voices and vivid experiences of real people who shaped American history.
Have information about the Van Dyke family? Questions about the research? Interested in connecting about your own family history project? Send a message below.
Family history is never truly finished. We continue to research, verify sources, and add new materials as they become available. If you have information, photographs, or documents related to the Van Dyke family, we welcome contributions to this living history.