Nov. 22, 2006

Stop by the Michigan Historical Museum and take in the festive atmosphere!  On the first three Saturdays of December (the 2nd, 9th and 16th), mid-Michigan residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly activities that celebrate both the excitement of the season and the diversity of Michigan's heritage.  The halls are decked with special winter and holiday displays throughout the galleries, making visits even more memorable!

"We are blending Michigan's rich heritage with enchanting winter-season traditions to provide a mix of history, fun and excitement," said Phillip C. Kwiatkowski, director of the Michigan Historical Museum System.  "The museum will be humming with music, dance, art and more."

The Saturday, Dec. 2, program includes:

·         Winter Solstice Arts and Crafts
Presented by Michigan Historical Museum education staff

·         Asian Origami and Calligraphy (11 a.m. to noon)
Presented by Michigan State University Asian Studies Center

·         The Art of Henna (Mehndi) from India (11 a.m. to noon)
Presented by Anshu Varma

·         Michigan Magic 3D Photography (10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.)
Presented by Steve Kiesling

The Saturday, Dec. 9, program includes:
 

• Polish Alliance of Dancers and POLANIE Song & Dance Ensemble (noon)
  Polish dance and song
   
• Ballet de Maria Luz (1 p.m.)
  Mexican folk dancing
   
• George Merva (2 p.m.)
  Accordionist offering holiday and winter ethnic music

The Saturday, Dec. 16, program includes (11 a.m. to 3 pm.):
 

• Learn to Walk on Snowshoes
  Presented by park ranger Alan Wernette, Ludington State Park, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
   
• Michigan Mammals and the Fur-Trapping Era
  Presented by park ranger Rick Torres, Mitchell State Park (Cadillac), Michigan Department of Natural Resources
   
• Dogsledding in Michigan and Greenland
  Presented by Jo and Don Oostveen, members of Mid Union Sled Haulers.  Meet mushers and their rescue dog, Myengen, as they share their stories through video and slides.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing.  The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of M.L. King Boulevard.  Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on official state holidays. Admission and weekend parking are free.   For more information visit www.michigan.gov/museum or telephone (517) 373-3559, TDD (517) 373-1592.

WinterFest is sponsored in part by Target.  Target gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs.  Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.  Additionally, Target team members and retirees donate more than 315,000 hours to more than 7,000 projects each year.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  The department is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.

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