History Center Lands Major State Award

The Marquette Regional History Center has received a prestigious award from the Historical Society of Michigan. The former Marquette County Historical Society, which organized outstanding public support for the creation of its new facility, has received the ‘Institutions’ award.

In honoring the MRHC at the 2011 State History Awards at the 137th Annual Meeting and State History Conference in Traverse City, it was proclaimed as one of the most active historical groups in Michigan, and a model for other organizations to emulate. Other facets of the facility and the monumental relocation to the former Marq-Tran building in downtown Marquette that garnered attention from the Historical Society of Michigan: the donation of money, time, and talents that made the move possible. The HSA went on to say the MRHA had produced a remarkable center, with a wonderful museum, extensive archives, and numerous programs and special exhibits.

The State History Awards are the highest recognition presented by the state’s official historical society. 17 awards were presented this year in a variety of categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Distinguished Volunteer Service, Outstanding Educator, Communications, Local Societies, Institutions, and Restoration/Preservation.

The Historical Society of Michigan, which administers the State History Awards, is the state’s oldest cultural organization. It was founded in 1828 by Lewis Cass and Henry Schoolcraft. It is an independent non-profit dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Michigan’s historical story.

Nomination forms for the 2012 State History Awards can be found on the Society’s website at www.hsmichigan.org