June 05, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Tamara Barnes, of Ann Arbor, to the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission.
Established in 1998, the commission preserves and promotes the legacy of the Underground Railroad's Freedom Trail in Michigan.
"Tamara brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable experience to the commission," said Snyder. "She is a great choice for this role."
Barnes is assistant director for diversity and outreach for the Historical Society of Michigan. She previously served as executive director for the Wharton Esherick Museum in Pennsylvania, Salem County Historical Society and the Lambertville Historical Society, both in New Jersey. She also participated in a New Jersey Historical Commission-funded independent research project entitled, "Historic African-American Schools and Churches." Barnes earned a bachelor's degree in history from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in New York. She will represent civil rights activists and replaces Mary Ann Edmond.
Barnes will serve a four-year term that expires Feb. 1, 2017, and her appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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