Lansing, Michigan – October 22, 2015 – As part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Michigan Historical Marker Program, the Michigan Historical Commission and the Michigan Historical Center urge people across the state to gently clean their local Michigan Historical Markers on National Make a Difference Day, Oct. 24. More information is available on the project site at http://makeadifferenceday.com/dashboard/project/i-care-4-mi-markers.
Over the last 60 years, more than 1,700 official state historical markers have been erected across the state. Most were purchased by local groups or individuals who researched their history and selected the marker program as the best way to commemorate their stories and share them with everyone, from school children to tourists.
“Gentle cleaning is the best way to prolong the life of a Michigan Historical Marker,” said Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark. “All it takes is some warm water, a little mild soap, such as dish detergent, and a soft-bristle brush. Ideally, this should happen every fall and spring.”
It is imperative that the soap be mild and the brush soft in order to prevent damage to the marker surface. People also are encouraged to make sure the land around the marker is free of litter and well cared for. Plantings or hard-surface landscaping are recommended.
The commission and center also encourage people to share their marker-cleaning photos and videos by posting them on social media using the hashtag #icare4mimarkers.
The Michigan Historical Marker Program was established by the Legislature Oct. 14, 1955. The first marker under the new program commemorated the 1855 founding of Michigan State University. It was placed on the side of Beaumont Tower and unveiled Oct. 22, 1955. The second marker, sponsored by the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, marked the beginning of the Lake Superior iron-mining industry at the Jackson Mine in Negaunee; and the third, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, was erected at the Highland Park Plant to commemorate the Model T.
The program continues to thrive. October 2015 marker dedications have included:
- State Anne Church/St. Anne Chapel on Grosse Isle (Oct. 3).
- Hiawatha Pageant at Round Lake near Petoskey (Oct. 7).
- Buchanan Downtown and Buchanan North and West Neighborhoods (both local historic districts) (Oct. 10).
- Croswell House/Governor Charles M. Croswell in Adrian (Oct. 11).
- Meridian-Baseline Initial Point, ceremony at Leslie High School (Oct. 11); marker to be erected at Meridian-Baseline State Park in the near future.
For more information on the Michigan Historical Marker Program and caring for markers, visit www.michigan.gov/markers.
The Michigan Historical Commission has helped preserve and recognize Michigan’s history since 1913. It advises the state on its history programs including the Michigan Historical Center. For more information on the commission, go to www.michigan.gov/mhcommission.
The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.
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