For each and every one of us, our history is unique. It's a one-of-a-kind story with individual twists and turns that shapes who we are and often guides us to where we want to go. In many ways, there is nothing more personal than one's own history.

Yet, at the very same time, history is shared. It is common. It ties people together in ways that withstand the test of time. It forms communities of people who have never met and likely never will, but who still feel as if they've known one another all their lives.

Our personal history brings us pride; our shared history brings us together.

The Michigan History Foundation is dedicated to preserving your place in our history. In partnering with and on behalf of taxpayers, the Michigan History Foundation is the financial trustee of a daily effort to discover and document the personal histories of individuals, organizations and communities in our state and add them as the next pivotal chapter in Michigan's life story.

Through programs, museums, archives, publications, web tools, exhibits and people all across our state, the Michigan History Foundation, and the Michigan Historical Center it supports, tell the story of Michigan to people of all ages. Its public and private partnership is crucial for our state's societal, educational, cultural and economic development. And, with state budgets tight and future funding in question, its work has never been more timely.

Large or small, your personal contribution to Michigan history is real. Your financial contribution to preserving our history is vital.

Private Donors Make a Difference

Donors are partners who give treasured artifacts, other property or funds to help support and advance the work of the Michigan Historical Center. See a list of donors whose cumulative giving has reached $1,000.

Specifically, donors have supported these endeavors:

• The Michigan in the Twentieth Century permanent exhibits at the Michigan Historical Museum with gifts and grants totaling $1.7 million.
• High quality, multimedia equipment and software for the Rally Round the Flags special exhibit. The equipment continues its service life in other special exhibits.
• The purchase of the Flint River Indian Mission bell, an artifact representing Methodist Episcopal missionary interaction with Native Americans at the time of statehood.
• The conservation of Michigan's Constitutions, including the original 1835 founding document, with $4,000 from our partners, the Friends of Michigan History.

In 2000, the Michigan History Foundation launched the Odyssey Awards to recognize excellence in teaching Michigan history. Today, the awards are one facet of the Michigan History Education Fund.

In fall 2006, the Michigan History Foundation initiated production of a quarterly newsletter. Front & Center highlights Michigan Historical Center programs and events to increase awareness of the promise of fruitful partnerships with the Michigan History Foundation.

Updated 03/27/2009