April 29, 2005

Inviting Michiganians to celebrate everything that distinguishes Michigan as one of the best places to live, work and raise a family, Governor Jennifer Granholm today declared May 21-27 as Michigan Week 2005.  Under the theme "Great Lakes, Great Traditions: Michigan on the Move," this year's celebration will focus on the spirit of innovation and progress that has always characterized Michigan and its citizens.

"As we embark on bold initiatives to fuel our economy and move Michigan forward toward a thriving future, Michigan Week is a the perfect time to get excited about where we're headed and to appreciate how far we've come," said Granholm.  "As the theme suggests, this year's celebration is an opportunity both to salute our state's unique assets and rich heritage and to champion continued advancement toward an even better Michigan."

Governor Granholm is this year's Michigan Week honorary chair.  Dr. William Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) - the lead state agency coordinating Michigan Week efforts - will serve as chair.

"All around us, in every corner of the state, are extraordinary examples of communities, individuals and businesses moving forward to make Michigan the best it can be.  Michigan Week is a chance to share these stories with the rest of the state," said Dr. Anderson.  "We encourage Michiganians of all ages to locally celebrate the many things that set Michigan apart as the place to be in the 21st century."

Anderson said that new features of this year's program will help spread the Michigan Week spirit around the state. The Michigan Week Great Traditions Tour, a pilot program supported by a Michigan Humanities Council grant, takes talented singers and musicians on the road to perform in cities that have invested time and energy into their Michigan Week celebrations.

Also this year, through a Michigan Humanities Council grant, the Library of Michigan Foundation has made it possible for authors of Michigan Notable Books and other Michigan authors to take their stories to libraries throughout the state for public readings and book-signings.  The annual Michigan Notable Books list offers up 20 of the previous year's best, most compelling works of fiction and non-fiction either written by a Michigan author or set in Michigan.

For "how to celebrate" ideas, downloadable toolkit items (including logos and posters), the governor's proclamation, event listings and more, visit www.michigan.gov/michiganweek.

Tying into the "Michigan on the Move" theme, The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) marks its 100th anniversary this year, celebrating the achievements and progress that have kept Michigan residents on the move from Algonac to Zeeland.  MDOT will host a centennial celebration at the Michigan Historical Center on Saturday, May 14 - the same day as the Michigan Parade in downtown Lansing - a great way to herald the start of Michigan Week, according to Anderson. 

Michigan Week was created in 1954 by the late Don C. Weeks, who was director of the Michigan Department of Economic Development, as a means to promote the state's many resources and accomplishments.  The statewide festival is held each May and features parades, historical reflections, recognition of volunteer efforts and educational and recreational opportunities.

Michigan Week is a program 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 heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, the department includes the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Historical Center, 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.

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