Jan. 8, 2010

The Michigan Historical Museum in downtown Lansing will host its annual Statehood Day celebration Saturday, Jan. 23, in honor of Michigan's 173rd birthday. (On Jan. 26,1837, Michigan joined the Union as the nation's 26th state.) The public is invited to the family-friendly party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 100 visitors will receive a free piece of birthday cake.

The Statehood Day celebration brings together crafters, costumed interpreters and musicians. Costumed volunteers in various galleries will help visitors experience life during different periods of Michigan's history. Various community experts will demonstrate how to make baskets, cross-stitch, create quilted jackets and wheat weave. At 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., visitors can learn how to make mustard 1830s style.

"The Michigan Historical museum is proud to host this free event," said Museum Director Phil Kwiatkowski. "It is a fun opportunity for families to come and explore our award-winning museum while celebrating Michigan's birthday."

The day's highlights (all available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted) include:

Michigan Historical Markers: 1,500 Reasons to Pull Over
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Michigan Historical Commissioner Tom Truscott shares his passion for the historical markers that dot Michigan's landscape with stories about its fascinating past.

Measuring Michigan
Re-enactors from the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors demonstrate early surveying methods and explain how to survey a wilderness without GPS.

Music
Craig Ryal performs music from various decades in Michigan's history.

The Spice of Life
1 and 2 p.m.
Dr. Laurie Perkins explains the importance of spices in statehood-era cooking and prepares mustard as it was made in the 1830s.

The British Soldiers
Members of the 47th Regiment of Foot, British Regular Re-enactors recall the time when the British governed Michigan.

Developing a Quilt Pattern
The Creative Cut-Ups Quilters, Capitol City Quilt Guild show how people use and re-use fabrics to produce beautiful bedding, wall hangings and gifts as visitors create their own quilt patterns.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing, just two blocks west of the State Capitol. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., and closed on official state holidays. Admission and weekend parking are free. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/museum or call (517) 373-3559.

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/museum.