Aug. 31, 2007

On Saturday, Sept. 1, Michigan Historical Commissioner John Dempsey of Plymouth will join Congressmen John Dingell and John Conyers, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and  Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Director John Hartig at the unveiling of a Michigan Historical Marker.  The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge gateway on Jefferson Avenue in Trenton.

The marker is the first of several dedicated to the state's conservation history. The idea for a conservation history trail originated with Dave Dempsey of the Michigan Environmental Council, author of the book Ruin & Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader.

"Several years ago, Dave Dempsey noted that Michigan's environmental history was not well represented in the Michigan Historical Marker program.  The partnership we developed to tell this important Michigan story has been a reminder of the power of citizen concern and of Michigan's commitment to its lakes and waters," said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center.  "We hope this marker and others tell will inspire current and future generations to continue to care for Michigan's extraordinary natural resources."

Previous conservation-related markers included those commemorating extinct species such as the passenger pigeon and the Michigan grayling; the Paris Fish Hatchery, a major supplier of salmon and brown trout fingerlings; the brown trout; the Pacific salmon and the beginning of state reforestation, to name a few. The next two conservation markers will be for the Kirtland's warbler and Genevieve Gillette, a landscape architect and early conservationist who was responsible for locating and raising support for the establishment of many of Michigan's state parks.

Sponsors pay for Michigan Historical Markers through donation to the state of Michigan. The Michigan Environmental Council obtained a grant from the Americana Foundation for the conservation history project.

Since the Michigan Historical Marker program began in 1955, more than 1,500 historical markers have been erected. To learn more about the marker program and registered historic sites, visit our Web site at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers contains the text and location of state markers. It is available anywhere books are sold or by calling (517) 373-1663.

The Michigan Historical Marker Program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.