A lifelong student and advocate of Louisiana history and preservation, Michael D. Wynne began collecting stamps, coins, photographs, documents, and other historic memorabilia as a child in Lafayette. Inspired by his grandmother’s stories of earlier generations, he developed a particular appreciation for oral history, genealogy, and the preservation of the material past. By his teenage years, his expertise had led to speaking engagements, published articles, and, in 1972, an appointment as Assistant Curator of the Lafayette Museum.
Although he ultimately pursued a nearly four-decade career in law enforcement, his commitment to history continued through service on museum boards, seven state commissions, and numerous preservation organizations. He served as Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial Commission and helped commemorate Louisiana’s 200th anniversary before a televised joint session of the state legislature in 2012. Since retiring in 2016, he has published eight books, written extensively, and continued sharing his knowledge of Louisiana history and preservation with communities and future generations.