Oct. 19, 2005

Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director William Anderson today announced that U.S. Senator Carl Levin will join him and other dignitaries in dedicating a new Michigan Historical Marker at the former Harrington Hotel in Port Huron (now Harrington Retirement Inn, located at 1026 Military St.) at noon on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Sen. Levin applied for a replacement for the site's original marker, erected in 1996, to commemorate the fact that President Harry S. Truman and his wife Bess spent part of their honeymoon in Port Huron.  Built in 1896, the Harrington Hotel stands as a well-known landmark in downtown Port Huron, the city's most prominent and only remaining 19th-century luxury hotel.

The occasion also marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Michigan's first historical marker, erected as part of Michigan State University's centennial observance.  This marker remains at its original site on the wall of Beaumont Tower, the site of the university's first building.

"As you travel throughout Michigan, whether in our small towns or along our highways, historical markers tell the story of our great state," said Anderson. "Michigan has a rich and diverse history, and the markers record and relate that history to all of us."

Since the Michigan Historical Marker Program began in 1955, nearly 1,500 markers have been erected throughout the state. The familiar green and gold tablets with a wolverine at the top and the words "Registered Michigan Historic Site" draw the attention of Michiganians and visitors alike.

While some people accidentally happen upon the markers, others seek them out. Using the recently published edition of Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers, or information available through Michigan Historic Sites Online (www.michigan.gov/historicsites), "marker hunters" search for as many as they can find and photograph.

Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers contains the text and location of state markers. It is available anywhere books are sold or by calling (517) 373-1663.

The Michigan Historical Marker Program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). To learn more about the marker program, visit the SHPO Web site at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening 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.

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