March 6, 2009

Walker Tavern Historic Site invites community members to get actively involved with Michigan history and help bring our state's past to life this season. Do you play a musical instrument, own an old car or grow more food in your garden than you need? Do you know family stories about life in the Irish Hills? When spring is in the air, do you yearn for the fun of sandlot baseball games? Do you practice a traditional craft, enjoy historical re-enacting or have an interest in knowing more about the past?

"If so, we'd love for you to participate in the variety of fun, family events and opportunities we have planned this year," said Site Historian Cheryl Valentine. "Community participation really enhances our efforts to help people discover Michigan's rich history."

Valentine offered 10 ways community members can get involved at Walker Tavern; those interested can call (517) 467-4401 for more information:

1) Sell your product. The Walker Tavern Farmers Market is now accepting applications for vendors. The Farmers Market runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting May 24, and features locally grown produce, baked goods and hand-crafted items.

2) Play ball. The Walker Wheels, a vintage baseball team that plays by Civil War-era rules, is actively recruiting new team members. Visit the team's new Web site at www.michigan.gov/walkerwheels.

3) Bring the past to life. Historic re-enactors and sutlers representing all eras of Michigan history are invited to participate in Walker Tavern's timeline event, Walk Through Time, on Saturday, June 27. Registration forms are now available.

4) Demonstrate a tradition. Craftspeople may share their knowledge of woodworking, basketry, pottery, blacksmithing, open-fire cooking, candle making, soap making and other pioneer skills at Frontier Fest Sept. 5.

5) Make music. Musicians who play traditional American music ? from gospel to bluegrass and including roots, folk, blues and country ? are invited to perform at Frontier Fest.

6) Volunteer. Walker Tavern needs volunteers to help with site improvements, special events, museum education, the museum store, gardening and a variety of other tasks.

7) Learn. Learn to cook like the pioneers did, to recognize Indian sign language or to decorate a feather-combed clay tile. Participate in a quilting bee or tin-punching workshop or play old-time games. Sign up for an adult/child Wednesday at Walker class.

8) Support local history. Join the Friends of Walker Tavern, a group that supports the historical projects and educational programs of Walker Tavern. Membership categories start at $20.

9) Show vintage cars. Owners of cars and trucks 50 years old and older (1959 and earlier) are invited to exhibit their vehicles at Walker On Wheels, Saturday, Aug. 8.

10) Visit Walker Tavern. Walker Tavern Historic Site will be open May 23 to Sept. 5, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a tour or enjoy exploring on your own.

Walker Tavern is part of the Michigan Historical Museum System and is jointly administered by the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Walker Tavern Historic Site is located next to the Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills, just 35 miles west of Ann Arbor. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Aug. 31.

For more information, call (517) 467-4401 or visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern.

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