June 29, 2023
Contact: Sandra Clark, 517-373-6362

Monroe County historian earns state recognition for decades of leadership, vision and service

When he started out in 1969 as director of the Monroe County Museum, Matthew C. Switlik couldn’t have known the long-lasting effect his work would have on that museum system and the county’s heritage-based tourism. That legacy of effort and impact was recognized today at the Michigan History Center in Lansing as Switlik received the 2023 MAAK Award from the Michigan Historical Commission and the Michigan History Center. The MAAK Award honors Gov. William Milliken, Commissioner Elizabeth Adams, Secretary of State Richard Austin and Attorney General Frank Kelley – four individuals who, over their lifetimes of service, made significant contributions to the preservation and understanding of Michigan history. One award is given annually to a person who has shown exceptional leadership and vision in support of the state’s historic resources, programs and institutions.

Switlik, Monroe County Museum director from 1969 through 2004, continues to lend his expertise to history programs and projects. Larry Wagenaar, Michigan Historical Commission member and chair of the awards committee, noted: “Throughout his extensive career, Matt has executed groundbreaking initiatives and programs that make up the foundations of the Monroe County Museum System and the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.”

Monroe County Museum System Deputy Director Jeffrey J. (JJ) Przewozniak, who nominated Switlik, included a long list of accomplishments starting with the early-1970s discovery of one of Michigan’s oldest wooden residences. Known as the Navarre-Anderson Trading Post, the 1789 structure was painstakingly restored and today is the centerpiece of River Raisin Territorial Park.

In 1972, Switlik led the move of the county museum from a local historic house to its current location in Monroe’s stately former post office, ushering in a new future for the museum and a stable foundation for new generations to experience history. He also arranged the first land acquisition in a plan to recover and preserve the River Raisin Battlefield, then occupied mainly by an industrial complex.

Michigan History Center Director Sandra Clark said that Switlik’s inspiring leadership “spurred a community movement to reclaim and re-engage the site that is now the River Raisin Battlefield administered by the National Park Service.”

“This recognition has given me the opportunity to reflect on my time in Monroe, since 1969, and appreciate the great values and people here,” Switlik said of the MAAK Award. “Shortly on arrival, I was told that the first written record of French families was a 1788 petition to create a parish, with about 400 family names on it. At least 60% of those names could be found in the phone book of 1969. I sensed immediately that Monroe might be a perfectly good place to market history to its residents.”

His passion for the preservation, care and safe use of antique and reproduction cannons has made Switlik a leading national authority on all aspects of historic artillery. His knowledge has been the basis for countless successful restoration projects and safe, effective demonstrations of historic artillery for historic sites for the National Park Service and Parks Canada, as well as Mackinac Island and The Henry Ford. He has also done artillery programming for the U.S. Army National Guard and served as a consultant on films, including “Master and Commander.”

Switlik’s retirement has done nothing to curb his commitment to mentoring others and sharing his knowledge. He remains an active member of many groups, including the Historical Society of Michigan, the Detroit Historical Society, the Monroe County Historical Society and the River Raisin Chapter of the Michigan Archaeological Society.

“We are so pleased to award Matt Switlik the 2023 MAAK Award,” said Michigan Historical Commission President Brian James Egen. “His lifelong dedication has inspired countless individuals to appreciate, steward and experience history.”

On what he and his teams were able to accomplish, and advice for others in the field, Switlik said: “Plans are all important, but timelines must be flexible, and new opportunities must be pursued. The world of history has expanded in many ways. In my opinion, history works best for the ‘long haul’ and at a steady pace.”

The MAAK award presented to Switlik is an inscribed glass vase handmade this year by Michigan glass artist Andy Kopul.

The Michigan History Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. Learn more about it and the Michigan Historical Commission at Michigan.gov/MHC.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. All photos courtesy Michigan History Center.

• Monroe: Friends, colleagues and family members from Monroe County attended today's MAAK Award ceremony, honoring Matthew C. Switlik (holding award), at the Michigan History Center in Lansing.
• Commission: Michigan Historical Commissioners Brian Egen (far left), Delia Fernandez-Jones (second from right) and Laura Ashlee (far right) and Michigan History Center Director Sandra Clark (second from left) pose with MAAK Award honoree Matthew C. Switlik.
• Family: Matthew C. Switlik, second from right, poses with family members who attended the ceremony.
• Award: The 2023 MAAK Award is made from handblown glass. It was created this year by Michigan glass artist Andy Kopul.