Pictured speaking here, Governor Jennifer Granholm at the Michigan Week 2004 kickoff.

Michigan Week, an annual tribute to the best of the Great Lakes State, began in 1954 as a way to promote state pride among citizens and to celebrate the rich heritage and unique features that make Michigan special. The celebration was started by the late Don C. Weeks, then director of the Michigan Department of Economic Development, along with a number of citizens who formed the nonprofit Greater Michigan Foundation.

In 2001, Michigan Week was transferred from the Department of State to the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). HAL's mission for Michigan Week is to inspire people - at the local level - to embrace, explore and celebrate the history, resources and opportunities that set Michigan apart as an ideal state to work, play and thrive.

Many organizations, schools, businesses and everyday citizens play a role in bringing Michigan Week to the local level. Some programs that have become Michigan Week traditions include:

Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest

The Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest invites young photographers around the state to capture views of their favorite historic sites. The 12 winning photos from all regions of the state get posted on the HAL Web site and go on display in the rotunda of the Michigan Library and Historical Center during Michigan Week, and then are scheduled for tours around the state as part of 4-H exhibits at county fairs.

The contest is coordinated by Michigan State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development Office, HAL and Michigan History for Kids magazine, with additional financial support from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network.

Mayors Exchange

Annually, hundreds of Michigan communities participate in the Michigan Municipal League's Mayors Exchange. Organized by the Greater Michigan Foundation and for many years a part of Michigan Week, Mayors' Exchange Day has been sponsored by the MML since 1991. A valuable learning experience for attendees, the Mayors Exchange program also helps promote the communities involved.

Michigan Notable Books

Michigan Notable Books, a tradition dating back to 1994, is an annual list of books representing the diverse history and culture of our state. Each year's list features books published the previous calendar year that are about or set in Michigan or on the Great Lakes or written by a native or resident of Michigan. Selections, which include nonfiction and fiction titles, typically have a wide appeal to the audience and cover a range of topics and issues important to Michigan residents.  In recent years, the Library of Michigan has arranged for Michigan Notable Books authors to visit libraries across the state, giving book lovers the opportunity to meet authors and attend readings.    

Updated 09/12/2006