March 13, 2009

What's in a name? When it comes to the mission of preserving Michigan's rich history, a great deal.

The organization previously known as the Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced it has changed its name to the Michigan History Foundation, a move that marks a renewed effort by the Foundation to raise the private funds needed to support Michigan's statewide museum system and heritage education, archival, archaeological, historic preservation and publication programs.

According to Pat Clark, director of the Michigan History Foundation, the Foundation was established in 1989 by a group of visionary Michigan business, industry, civic and political leaders who were committed to ensuring that Michigan's rich history and culture are maintained to collect, preserve and interpret Michigan's past for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Foundation has, over the last 20 years, successfully raised nearly $7 million to support historic preservation and programming.

"The state of Michigan and the Michigan History Foundation have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that Michigan history ? the artifacts and stories of the people, places and events that have so uniquely shaped our state ? is protected and shared with the public," said Clark.

She described the Michigan History Foundation as the financial trustee of a daily effort to discover, document and provide access to those personal stories. "It really is a partnership with and on behalf of Michigan residents," Clark explained. "We believe our new name directly spells out why we exist and what we are working to achieve."

In January, the Foundation celebrated a $375,000 gift from David Morris for the development of the David and Betty Morris Learning Center, located in the Archives of Michigan. Once complete, the learning center will allow Michigan high school students to access Michigan's historical documents and re-create pivotal situations and decisions made by our state's former leaders.

"I am glad to provide funding that will make a unique learning opportunity available to Michigan students," said Morris. "The learning center will put kids in the thick of government decision-making, help them gain terrific problem-solving skills, and show them the give-and-take needed to identify challenges and find solutions."

Clark praised Morris's donation and all of the donors who have, over the years, stood firmly in support of Michigan history programs. She views the Foundation's new name and renewed efforts as key in helping potential donors see the connection between the dollars they donate and the preservation of history and the educational opportunities that are made possible as a result of that generosity.

"The Michigan History Foundation is the prominent public/private statewide organization dedicated to preserving Michigan history," she said. "At a time of tight budgets and economic uncertainty, garnering support for our mission is more important than ever."

The new name and visual branding for the Michigan History Foundation is effective immediately. Please visit the Foundation online at www.michigan.gov/mhfoundation or www.historicmichigan.wordpress.com.

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