October 01, 2026
WHEREAS, October 1, 2026, marks the 13th annual Michigan Auto Heritage Day; and,
WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership was established in 1998 when Congress and the National Park Service recognized the national significance of the American automobile industry and the people, places, and innovations that shaped its history; and,
WHEREAS, National Heritage Areas are designated places where stories and resources significant to the history of the United States have been recognized as being of national importance; and,
WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership, a member of the National Heritage Area System of the National Park Service, is Michigan's only National Heritage Area, encompassing more than 10,000 square miles across 16 counties and serving a population of more than 6 million people; and,
WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area contains the world's largest concentration of automobile-related sites, attractions, and events, drawing millions of visitors annually; and,
WHEREAS, the MotorCities National Heritage Area generates approximately $490 million in annual economic impact, including $40 million in tax revenue and supporting more than 5,300 jobs; and,
WHEREAS, the economic strength and identity of the State of Michigan are deeply connected to the vitality and legacy of the automobile industry, a cornerstone of our economy and workforce; and,
WHEREAS, for the thirteenth consecutive year, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership has fostered Michigan Auto Heritage Day, bringing together supporters of automotive heritage, education, and preservation to celebrate Michigan's unique role in automotive history; and,
WHEREAS, I encourage all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the enduring contributions of the automobile industry and the rich automotive heritage that continue to shape Michigan's past, present, and future; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2026, as the 13th Annual Michigan Auto Heritage Day in Michigan.
