September 21, 2004

Mackinac Island, Mich. - The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced it has awarded Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) a grant of $133,550 to create a new military medicine exhibit in the 1828 Fort Mackinac Post Hospital on Mackinac Island.

The grant is the largest of three awarded in Michigan and is part of $16.4 million given to 186 museums nationwide.  IMLS is the largest federal funding program for museums.

The new exhibit, "Military Medicine at Mackinac," is scheduled to open in 2006.  It will feature original objects from Fort Mackinac and utilize the newest exhibit technology to focus on mid-19th-century medicine.  Interactive displays and a special children's section will further MSHP's goal of creating memorable experiences for guests at Fort Mackinac.

Fort Mackinac was built by British soldiers in 1780, and has 14 original buildings dating to the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  MSHP operates Fort Mackinac as a living history museum, with live rifle and cannon firing demonstrations, tours, exhibits, videos and guides dressed as 1880s U.S. soldiers.  Over 215,000 guests visit Fort Mackinac annually.

"Our guests want to learn more about 19th-century medicine," said MSHP Chief Curator Steve Brisson.  "Fort Mackinac, with several prominent post physicians including Dr. William Beaumont and well-documented advances in medical treatment, is a rich place to explore the topic."

"Museums for America grants invest not only in museums, but in the people and communities they serve," said IMLS Director Dr. Robert S. Martin.  "The grants will advance these institutions' role as trusted resources that create and sustain a nation of learners."

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities.  The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history museums and parks in Northern Michigan's Straits of Mackinac region, and is an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  The sites include Fort Mackinac, Historic Downtown and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, and Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City.  The sites are accredited by the American Association of Museums. Visitor information is available on the Web at www.mackinacparks.com and by phone at (906) 847-3328 or (231) 436-4100.

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