March 21, 2008

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced it has received a donation from Okemos-based TechSmith Corporation to purchase equipment for an interactive kiosk that will familiarize visitors with the Archives of Michigan's collections and procedures.

"TechSmith's generous donation will help introduce visitors to the vast array of unique records, photographs, maps, films and more available for research at the Archives of Michigan," said Patricia Clark, Michigan Historical Center Foundation director.  "The kiosk format allows for a media-driven experience that's fun and user-friendly."

"TechSmith is proud to support the Michigan Historical Center Foundation and its initiatives," said William Hamilton, president of TechSmith.  "By donating a computerized kiosk to the center we are happy to promote the use of technology to museum patrons."

With documents dating back to 1792, the Archives of Michigan houses much of Michigan's record heritage. More than 80 million state and local government records and private papers, 300,000 photographs and 500,000 maps, plus films and audio tapes are available for public research. Records in the Archives of Michigan are particularly useful for tracing genealogy, legislative history/intent, land surveys, military service, and governmental policy on mental health, public health, education, labor, welfare and corrections.

Founded in 1987, TechSmith is the world's leading provider of screen capture and recording software for individual and professional use.  TechSmith is one of few software development companies in theMidwest and is located in Okemos.  For more information, visit www.techsmith.com.

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Michigan Historical Center.  The center includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, the State Archives of Michigan, Records Management Services, archaeological and historic preservation programs, and publications, including Michigan History magazine.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), whose mission is to enrich quality of life and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan 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.  For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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