April 15, 2008

The Michigan Council for History Education, in cooperation with the Michigan Historical Commission, recently announced a special contest designed to generate interest in Michigan's unique historic field sites.  The challenge is open to educators across the state, and calls for participants to plan an imaginary trip to historic field sites and an additional special Michigan site of their choosing.

"The Michigan Historical Museum system has a variety of intriguing sites, from Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor to Walker Tavern in southeastern Lower Michigan," said Dr. Jim McConnell, a member of the Michigan Historical Commission.  "There are tremendous stories to be shared at all the sites, and a contest like this is a great way for educators to help students make connections to that collective past."

McConnell said there should be just one entry per classroom.  Contest rules and the entry form are available from the Michigan Council for History Education Web site at http://michiganhistoryed.org/docs/mhscontestflyer.pdf.

Contest rules require participants to include the Michigan Historical Museum system's 11 field sites, as well as one additional historic site in Michigan.  To see the Michigan Historical Museum field sites, visit www.michigan.gov/hal, click on "Things to Do" and then on "Michigan Historical Museum System."  Participants should choose a 12th historic site and include this on the trip route.  Official mileage distances will be based on the MDOT Michigan Highway Map.

All teachers submitting a completed contest form will receive a special Michigan Sesquicentennial First Day of Issue Statehood Stamp and envelope (while supplies last).  Special recognition will be presented to selected educators during Michigan Week, May 17-23, 2008. 

Entry deadline is Thursday, May 1, 2008. Completed entry forms should be postmarked by May 1, 2008, and mailed to:  Dr. Jim McConnell, Michigan Historic Field Sites Contest Coordinator, 17761 Bell Creek Lane, Livonia, Mich., 48152.  Questions may be e-mailed to: jam1776@sbcglobal.net.  Three entries will be selected randomly to receive a copy of "Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers" (edited by Laura Ashlee).

The Michigan Historical Commission is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  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 Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Founded in 1993, the Michigan Council for History Education (MCHE) is organized and maintained to advocate and advance the study and teaching of history in schools throughout the state; encourage and support the development and implementation of meaningful and effective history curriculum and instruction; provide a program of professional activities for history educators and students; and provide for educational and professional interaction among history educators.  It holds an annual conference for K-12 history teachers, publishes a quarterly newsletters, sends frequent email updates, and awards the "McConnell History Educator Award" to one elementary, one secondary, and one preservice teacher.  For membership details and other information, visit www.michiganhistoryed.org.

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