July 13, 2007

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced $93,875 in combined federal and state grants for revitalization and preservation efforts currently under way in the historic community of Idlewild in Lake County.  This is a joint effort between Yates Township and numerous state and federal partners, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office in the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. 

"Idlewild is a historical and cultural destination that helps us learn about Michigan and the African American experience in the 20th century," said Governor Granholm.  "These grants will help with the restoration of this once-thriving resort destination that so many African Americans once enjoyed, ensuring that the Idlewild experience is preserved for future visitors and future generations."

The federal and state grants will make possible:

• the revision of the National Register of Historic Places designation for Idlewild to accurately reflect its national significance;
• the development of a cultural resource management plan to ensure appropriate preservation of this nationally significant historic and cultural resource;
• the posting of five Michigan Historical Markers to fully illustrate the Idlewild story; and
• the development of a walking/driving tour to encourage more cultural tourism.

Founded in 1912, Idlewild represented freedom for many African Americans, being one of a handful of resorts in the country where African Americans were permitted to vacation and purchase property before such discrimination became illegal in 1964.  Commonly known as the "Black Eden," Idlewild was an active year-round community through the mid-1960s, frequented by well-known entertainers and professionals from throughout the country.

"Idlewild is the largest land-based, historically African American resort ever assembled in the United States, and one of a handful that can still boast having the majority of its buildings, structures and physical areas intact," said HAL Director Dr. William Anderson.  "With the vision of the Idlewild community and the support of local, state and federal partners, this unique historical asset will be the heart of this region's long-term cultural economic development."

The Idlewild grants announced today include:

Federal

$35,000 (Preserve America grant)

$2,500 (National Trust for Historic Preservation grant)

State (to leverage the federal matching funds)

$30,000 (MEDC grant)

$15,000 (Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs grant)

$11,285 (State Historic Preservation Office's Michigan Historical Marker Fund, to erect five historical markers; restricted fund from marker application fees)

The Idlewild revitalization project involves many federal, state and local partners, including the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Department of Environmental Quality, Travel Michigan, Yates Township, the Yates Township Planning and Zoning Commission, the Idlewild Positive Image Committee and Lake County.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/idlewild.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries 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 includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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