The commission, formed in 2008, is charged with encouraging, planning, and developing activities, events, programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan's role in the War of 1812.

Porter currently serves as director of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and was formerly its chief curator. He has a Master of Arts and numerous publications to his credit, focusing upon topics of relevance to the upcoming commemoration events.

Porter has been active with the commission since its formation and succeeds Dr. William Anderson, retired director of the former Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Porter will now lead the commission through numerous commemorative events, including the creation of a logo through a contest within Michigan's schools, re-enacted events, tall ship gatherings and possibly a full-length educational program featuring Michigan's rich history through "the War that forged a nation."

Porter thanked his predecessor, Dr. Anderson, and his fellow commissioners. He added that he "looks forward to 2012 through 2015, during which Michigan will appropriately commemorate events ranging from the loss of Detroit and Mackinac Island, bitter defeats, to the restoration of Michigan's territorial sovereignty placing her on the road to statehood through the establishment of a lasting peace."

Porter is the former president of the Michigan Museums Association, former trustee of the Historical Society of Michigan and serves on the board of trustees of the Round Island Lighthouse.

The Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is housed in the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. To learn more about the commission, visit www.michigan.gov/war1812.