Front and Center Newsletter

January/February 2021

• News
• Virtual Events and Programs
• Digital Resources
• Join Us
• Contact Us

News

COVID-19 Update

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Whitmer's order extending work from home for state employees, the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee and the Archives of Michigan in Lansing will remain closed to the public at least through March 1, 2021. The Archives of Michigan continues to provide reference services by email and by telephone at 517-335-2576. Or, sign up for a one-on-one virtual appointment with an archivist to ask research questions or to request records.  We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

New videos on voting history in Michigan are now online

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the opening of our newest Michigan History Museum exhibit, I Voted: Michigan's Struggle for Suffrage. It was originally scheduled to open in the summer of 2020.

Museum curators have begun adapting the research and exhibit content into new digital forms, including videos. The first four short videos were released on Instagram in November 2020, and are now available at our Vimeo channel, Vimeo.com/MichiganHistory. 

Hartwick Pines seeks volunteer tour guides and campground hosts for 2021 summer season.

Hartwick Pines State Park, located just northeast of Grayling, is seeking volunteer hosts for the newly reopened Memorial Building this summer. Participating hosts camp for free at Hartwick Pines State Park campground in exchange for presenting programs and leading tours at the historic Memorial Building. The host schedule is designed to allow time to enjoy recreational activities. The Memorial Building is a popular landmark in the park. The rustic, lodge-style building was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and served as the park’s visitor center until 1994. Visitors to the building include people with fond memories of the park and architecture and history lovers. Visit the DNR Campground Hosts page for more information and to apply.

Celebrating 100 years of the Department of Natural Resources

The Michigan History Center is part of the Department of Natural Resources, which is celebrating its centennial in 2021. All year long, we will be sharing stories on the history of Michigan's rich cultural and natural resources. Here's how you can join in:

• Participate in the 100 ways to explore and enjoy Michigan's natural and cultural resources challenge.
• Enjoy the weekly Showcasing the DNR feature story, which will include at least one centennial story each month!
• Follow the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Facebook page for the latest information on the department and the centennial

Virtual Events and Programs

Visit our website for our full event calendar.

Digital Resources

Michiganology.org

• Research more than 10 million government records online.
• Help young learners explore Michigan history.
• Read stories that chronicle the everyday lives of Michiganders.
• Purchase puzzles and other Michigan-made items.

Share Your Story

• Submit a photo or story to our COVID-19 collecting project.

Tours

• Take a virtual 360 degree tour of the Michigan History Museum.
• Tour the Mann House in Concord.
• Visit the new Kal-Haven Heritage Trail signs virtually.
• Climb the Tawas Point Lighthouse tower.

Interactive Maps

• Explore our virtual map of Michigan Historical Markers.
• Chart out Michigan shipwrecks.
• Discover Underground Railroad sites in Michigan.

Videos

• Learn all about the Archives of Michigan.
• Watch some historic cooking videos.
• Learn about Michigan's first people, the Anishinaabe.
• View archival movies, presentations and more!

Join Us

Become a member of the Michigan History Center! Together, we can work to preserve, protect and share Michigan's past -- plus you can get some great benefits that include admission and store discounts.

Contact Us

Telephone 517-335-2573 or send us an email.