Deadline extended to Friday, July 15

May 24, 2005

In celebration of Michigan Week - May 21-27, "Great Lakes, Great Traditions: Michigan on the Move" - the Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced the launch of Odyssey 2005.  This annual program recognizes exceptional Michigan history teachers and raises funds to support the expansion of the Michigan Historical Center's educational programs.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern will serve as honorary co-chairs for the Odyssey 2005 gala, an evening event to be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Michigan Historical Center in downtown Lansing.

"We are also fortunate to have a diverse group of dedicated community leaders involved in planning and promoting this year's celebration.  Participating in a gala event of this magnitude is a great way to help the Center expand its educational programs for children," said Michigan Historical Center Foundation Board Chair Deb Muchmore.

As part of the Odyssey 2005 celebration, the foundation will present four teachers from across the state with Odyssey Awards, recognizing excellence, creativity and leadership in teaching Michigan history.  Award recipients will be invited to share their ideas and expertise with other educators to support the foundation's goal of promoting creative learning models that inspire students and foster their interest in Michigan history.

All Michigan elementary classroom teachers are eligible for the Odyssey Award.  The deadline for nominations is June 30, and the nomination form is available at www.michigan.gov/odyssey.

The Michigan Historical Center has piloted several programs that transform the Michigan Historical Museum into a learning laboratory for students, including the BIG History Lesson, a weeklong program using the museum as a classroom for an extended, in-depth study of Michigan history; and the Extended Experience, a one-day, interactive and highly participatory museum experience that focuses on the state's early settlement, statehood and development.

With more than 2,500 students having participated so far, these two education programs have received rave reviews from teachers, students and parents.  However, these children are only a fraction of the 70,000-plus students who annually visit the Michigan Historical Museum in classroom groups.

Funds raised by the Odyssey 2005 event will be used to expand access to the BIG History Lesson, the Extended Experience and other education programs at the Michigan Historical Center.

"We believe that expanding participation in these education programs and promoting teaching approaches that make learning exciting can dramatically enhance the study of Michigan history for young people. Odyssey 2005 will create more opportunities for students to discover Michigan's rich history through unique and refreshing hands-on approaches to learning," Muchmore added.

Up to 500 people from across Michigan are expected to attend the Odyssey 2005 gala.  Tickets are $100 per person, and can be obtained by calling the Michigan Historical Center Foundation office at (517) 373-2565.  For more information, visit the Odyssey Web site at www.michigan.gov/odyssey.

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, 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 Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

To learn more about Michigan Week - a HAL program that aims to inspire people around the state to embrace, explore and celebrate the history, resources and opportunities that set Michigan apart as an ideal state to work, play and thrive - visit www.michigan.gov/michiganweek.

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