Oct. 26, 2005

Sounding the final note of this year's Family History Month activities at the Michigan Library and Historical Center (MLHC), the nationally recognized Lansing band, Steppin' In It, will put on a free concert Saturday, Oct. 29, at from 7 to 9 p.m.  With the music they write and the vintage instruments they play, Steppin' In It demonstrates with every song their strong ties to Michigan history.  The MLHC is at located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing.

The concert follows a full Saturday of Family History Month programming from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  New this year, historians, collectors and treasure hunters of all kinds are invited to bring in their own family treasures – instruments, photographs, quilts, diaries, vintage books or other heirlooms – for consideration by a panel of experts.  In the spirit of the popular PBS program, "Antiques Roadshow," the history experts and appraisers on hand will give guests advice on how to best preserve the items, as well as estimates on their value.  This program runs 2 to 5 p.m.

"If you've ever thought something in your attic or basement might just be worth a second look, this Family Treasures Roundtable is just for you," said State Archivist Mark Harvey.  "We are inviting the public to bring trinkets and treasures to the Michigan Library and Historical Center, learn the best ways to keep your keepsakes safe, and stick around for some of the best old-time country, swing and blues music around."

The full schedule of Family History Month events for Saturday, Oct. 29, follows and can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory.  For questions on any Family History Month programs, please call, (517) 373-1300.

Take Pleasure in Your Family Treasures: 1-5 p.m., Forum/Rotunda
Our family history held through family treasures is important to have and to hold. Learn from an expert how to care for your family treasures from musical instruments to photos to textiles to books to china.

Family History, Family Treasures: 1-2 p.m., MLHC Forum
Jeanne Drewes, assistant director for access and preservation at Michigan State University Libraries, will give an overview presentation on preserving family treasures. There will be a brief question period at the end of the session. Immediately following this session there will be a preservationists' roundtable.

Family Treasures Roundtable: 2-5 p.m., MLHC Rotunda
In the spirit of the "Antiques Roadshow" the public is invited to bring in any family treasure for tips on preserving the items as well as expert appraisers on hand to help estimate their value.

Steppin' Back in Time: A Celebration, 7-9 p.m., MLHC Forum
As a finale to Family History Month, the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries is offering a FREE concert with the nationally recognized Lansing band Steppin' In It. This band understands the power of family and history, with music and instruments steeped in Michigan's history.

Tickets are available for this free concert through Elderly Instruments in Lansing; call for ticket availability information at (517) 372-7880. Seating is limited to 240 seats and tickets will be limited to four per requestor.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is dedicated to strengthening the economy and enriching Michigan residents' quality of life by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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