June 22, 2005

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) today announced it will host a citizen naturalization ceremony on Thursday, June 23, during which nearly 100 people will become new citizens of the United States of America.  The ceremony, presented by HAL and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, will take place at 9 a.m. in the Forum of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., in downtown Lansing.  HAL Director Dr. William Anderson will give the morning's keynote address.

"Some of these people have left their countries as refugees; others have come to America seeking a new life and better opportunities," said Dr. Anderson.  "They will enter the Michigan Library and Historical Center as strangers and emerge from their naturalization ceremony as members of the United States family."

To become naturalized citizens of the United States, these individuals have fulfilled nine requirements, including continuous residence; the ability to read, write and speak ordinary English; knowledge of the fundamentals of U. S. history and government; and acceptance as a person of good moral character.

For many people, Thursday, June 23, will be the fulfillment of a life-long dream.  For others, it is the positive end-result of fleeing oppressive situations or oppressive governments in other countries.  Their commitment and hard work in seeking to become U.S. citizens will culminate in the naturalization ceremony.

"I think it's appropriate that such a ceremony take place in the building that houses the Michigan Historical Museum," said Dr. Anderson.  "These new Americans will leave the ceremony prepared to fully participate in the Michigan experience of today, having become the citizens that will create the history of tomorrow."

The Michigan Historical Museum currently features "Movers and Seekers: Michigan Immigrants and Migrants," a special exhibit that chronicles the experiences, dreams and challenges of people who made Michigan their new home in the 20th century.  The exhibit is open to the public through Oct. 9.

The Michigan Historical Museum is a year-round museum in downtown Lansing.  Five exhibit levels - surrounding visitors with Michigan's past, from prehistoric times through the late 20th century - include an Upper Peninsula copper mine, the 1957 Detroit Auto Show and a one-room school.  The museum, the flagship of the Michigan Historical Museum System, is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums.

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.michiganhistory.org or telephone (517) 373-3559, TDD (517) 373-1592.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's 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, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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