June 3, 2008

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Michigan Historical Commission today announced that the 2008 Governor John B. Swainson Awards will be presented to recipients in the Capitol Rotunda at a noon ceremony on Wednesday, June 4. This year's winners hail from Ann Arbor, Au Sable Township, Detroit and Laketown Township.

Given by the Michigan Historical Commission to state, county or municipal employees who have gone above and beyond their official job duties to help preserve Michigan's history, the prestigious Swainson Award originated in 1996.

"Our historic resources are among Michigan's greatest treasures, and the Swainson Award helps us pay tribute to those who serve as stewards of our state's rich heritage," said HAL Director Dr. William Anderson. "This year's winners have earned the honor with their passion for keeping history alive in Ann Arbor, Au Sable Township, Detroit and Laketown Township."

This year's Governor John B. Swainson Award winners include:

Richard Cook, Kelly Jones and Roy Townsend -
Delhi Bridge Rehabilitation in Scio Township, Ann Arbor

Richard Cook, a scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency in Ann Arbor; and Kelly Jones and Roy Townsend, respectively, a bridge engineer and director of engineering for Washtenaw County Road Commission, worked collaboratively to coordinate the efforts of the Washtenaw County Road Commission, the Scio Township Board of Trustees, the Delhi Bridge Conservancy and the Washtenaw County Historic District Commission to broker a plan to save the 130-year-old, wrought-iron Delhi Bridge.

Washtenaw County had, at one time, close to 10 wrought-iron bridges. The Delhi Bridge was closed by the Road Commission in 2005 due to the advanced disrepair of the bridge. Concerned neighbors set up the Delhi Bridge Conservancy, led by Richard Cook, who took on the challenges of having the bridge declared a local historic district.

Cal Taylor and AuSable Parks & Recreation Committee -
AuSable Historic Cemetery Cleanup and Renovation, AuSable Township

In 2006, AuSable Township applied to the Iosco County Community Foundation for a grant called "Remembering Our Legacy - AuSable Historic Cemetery 1867-1928." The grant was awarded, and in 2007 a new entrance and burial site map of known persons were built by Cal Taylor, AuSable Township Department of Public Works manager. Taylor worked closely with the AuSable Parks & Recreation Committee to also clean the cemetery and plan for preservation activities. Taylor incorporated a lumbering theme to his designs, to honor the time period of those buried.

Todd Sampson of Detroit -
Efforts to Preserve the Stories of Michigan's African American Veterans

Todd Sampson, an agent with the Department of Human Services in Detroit, has put in countless hours to ensure that African Americans who served in the military get their proper recognition and that their stories are saved for future generations. Sampson collects photos, documents and other items that highlight African American military contributions. His efforts have helped three veterans get their stories told in public and, where lacking, obtain their proper military awards. Sampson has also written about Michigan veterans and speaks to various groups about the important role played by Michigan's African Americans in the military arena.

Albert J. Meshkin -
Efforts to Save the Felt Mansion, Laketown Township

Albert Meshkin, the Laketown Township manager, has been devoted to establishing parks and protecting the natural and historic built environment of Laketown Township, along with his other administrative duties. His efforts to save the historic Felt Mansion - including garnering township board support, helping financially, and giving many, many tours in an attempt to gain interest and support - were instrumental in saving one of Allegan County's most important pieces of local history.

The Michigan Historical Commission is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission 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 (HAL).