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Jan. 16, 2018
Contact: Sara Gross, 517-420-1342
Michigan celebrates 181st birthday with Statehood Day at Michigan History Museum Jan. 27
 On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Michigan History Museum in Lansing celebrates 181 years of rich and diverse Michigan history at its annual Statehood Day celebration. Like every good birthday party, the celebration includes music, games, cake and other fun. Special guests, staff and volunteers will pay tribute to the people who created our state, from first peoples and statesmen to eager citizens.
The program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free for the day.
Statehood Day commemorates the events of Jan. 26, 1837, when, more than a year after Michigan adopted its first constitution and elected its first governor, President Andrew Jackson signed the bill making Michigan the nation’s 26th state. The delay was caused by a disagreement and subsequent “war” with Ohio over the port town Toledo. The resulting compromise gave Toledo to Ohio, and Michigan the western two-thirds of the Upper Peninsula. By the mid-19th century, the discovery of copper and iron in the Upper Peninsula more than made up for the loss of Toledo.
“Through Statehood Day, we’re inviting Michiganders to explore our state’s early history, including stories about the leaders who first sought statehood, the compromises they made and the extraordinary people who have built Michigan since,” said Tobi Voigt, Michigan History Museum engagement director. “We’ll also feature interactive demonstration stations and make-and-take tables that will allow visitors to try their hand at practical crafts and trades and explore recreational pastimes of the statehood era.”
 The Michigan History Museum’s special celebration will include:
- Local music legends, and recent Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Honor inductees, Acoustic Strings playing historic folk tunes all day.
- Costumed interpreters wearing clothing from the time period – much of which was handmade by volunteers and staff.
- A special display of the 1835 Michigan State Constitution, courtesy of the Archives of Michigan.
- Information on Anishinaabe culture, art and history, provided by the Nokomis Learning Center.
- Historic craft and trade demonstrations and hands-on opportunities, including rope making, butter churning, surveying, toy making and more.
- Birthday cake and the singing of “Happy Birthday” to our state – a “must” experience for anyone who loves Michigan.
New for Statehood Day 2018 - Euchre
The museum is seeking up to 20 players to join the inaugural Statehood Day Euchre Tournament. Euchre, also known as “uker” or “juckerspiel,” was rising in popularity throughout the United States during Michigan’s statehood era and, by the late 1800s, was one of the most fashionable card games in the country. Although bridge began to eclipse its popularity in the early 20th century, euchre has remained a favorite for Michiganders. The winner of the tournament will receive a gift basket full of Michigan-pride goodies from Michiganology. For more information on the tournament structure and to register as a player, visit www.jotform.com/seekingmichigan/statehood-day-euchre.
The Michigan History Museum, part of the Michigan History Center system, is a nationally accredited museum located in the east wing of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, two blocks east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. The museum is open year-round. For more information, call 517-373-3559 or visit www.michigan.gov/museum.
The Michigan History Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs foster curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. It includes the Michigan History Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Statehood Day 1_Nativeculture: The Michigan History Center's Statehood Day celebration Jan. 27 will include displays on Native culture.
Statehood Day 2_Buttermaking: Visitors will have an opportunity to observe and participate in historic craft and trade demonstrations including butter making./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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