Jan. 31, 2007

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced its board of directors for 2007, comprised of both returning and first-time members.

The foundation's officers include Chair Deborah Muchmore of Marketing Resource Group, Inc.; Vice Chair Jim Wardlaw of Publicom Incorporated; Vice Chair Francis R. Spaniola; Secretary Patrice Merritt of the Detroit Public Library Friends Foundation; and Treasurer Randolph V. Ragsdale of JP Morgan.

"Heading into a new year, we are pleased to have such an innovative and passionate group of officers and board members," said Patricia Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center Foundation.  "As the Michigan Historical Center strives to connect people to their heritage and provide 'pure Michigan' experiences for visitors of all ages, this group's wealth of experience and commitment definitely strengthen the foundation's ability to support that mission."

This year's directors include Dr. William M. Anderson, Department of History, Arts and Libraries; John R. Axe, Municipal Financial Consultants, Inc.; Basil M. Briggs, Cox, Hodgman & Giarmarco, P.C.; Sandra S. Clark, Michigan Historical Center; Nancy Danhof, State Board of Education; Paul Drake, General Motors; Mary Meade Fuger; Mark T. Gaffney, Michigan State AFL-CIO; Douglas B. Roberts, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University; William C. Rands, III; Andrew C. Richner, Clark Hill, PLC; John Schwarz, M.D.; and Jonathan T. Walton.

Clark predicted 2007 to be a fast-paced and successful year for the foundation.  "Though only a few weeks of the new year have passed, the board has great expectations for what it can accomplish," she said.

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation recently announced receipt of several grants that will help in its efforts to foster private and public appreciation and support of the Michigan Historical Center's statewide programs:

• $165,000 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to assist in creating a new development office devoted to cultivating private-sector support for the Michigan Historical Center's programs.
   
• Two $5,000 grants (one each from the Brighton-based Sage Foundation and the Manitou Beach-based Murdock Foundation) to help restore the Hewitt House, the visitor center at the Walker Tavern historic site in Brooklyn. 

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Michigan Historical Center.  The center includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, the Archives of Michigan, Records Management Services, archaeological and historic preservation programs, and publications, including Michigan History magazine.  For more information about the foundation, visit www.michigan.gov/mhcfoundation.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity.  The department 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 about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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