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How to Apply

How to Apply

The Michigan Historical Marker Program relies heavily on the applicants. Applicants must make the case through their application and the documentation they acquire through historical research that the historic resource or topic is worthy of a Michigan Historical Marker. Applicants also raise the funds to pay for their marker and are responsible for the installation.

The Michigan Historical Commission operates the program in partnership with the Eastern Michigan University graduate program in historic preservation.

Before beginning the application process, please review:

Application deadlines

The center has two annual deadlines for marker applications, April 15 and September 15.

Applications received on or before April 15 will be reviewed starting April 16. Applications received on or before September 15 will be reviewed starting September 16. 

Please note the following important information:

  • Applications received without the $250 application fee will be returned.
  • Any application that is missing information from the form or any of the additional required items, will be deemed incomplete and may be returned to the applicant. Be sure to read the application carefully for requirements.
  • You will be billed for the cost of the marker when your text has been approved and you are notified by letter.
  • Rights to Photographs and Electronic Images: The Michigan History Center accepts all photographs and images only on the condition that the State of Michigan has full right to use such accepted photographs and images for reports, presentations or other purposes as it sees fit.
  • The application and approval process typically takes at least one year to complete. Guarantees for specific dedication dates cannot be made at the time of application. You should not schedule your dedication until you have received your marker.

Marker application process

Your application will need to include:

  • Michigan Historical Marker Application Form [PDF]
  • Supplemental forms (if applicable)
  • Primary source documentation: All facts and statements must be documented with copies of primary sources—sources created by people who saw or participated in an event and recorded it at the time, or documents of legal transactions. These may include tax records, deeds, newspaper articles, meeting minutes, diaries or letters. In addition, you may provide photocopies of secondary sources such as published county and community histories. You must include copies of the sources with your application. Be sure the source's title, author, date of publication, publisher and page numbers are clear. Photocopies of all documentation must be submitted with the application.
  • Photographs: Photographs may be submitted as high-quality prints or digitally. Label all photographs, including the name of the property, date of the photograph and description. The description should include what is depicted in each view, e.g. "front façade," "stamped metal ceiling detail." Directional information is also helpful, e.g. "view facing west." Complete requirements can be found on page 5 of the application.
  • Map: An aerial map, such as Google Earth, showing the location of the site, indicating main crossroads near the site, the address and GPS coordinates.
  • Information: A list of facts you feel are important to include in the marker text. These facts must be documented by the primary sources submitted with the application.

With the application materials, you will need to submit a $250 application fee. Make the check payable to the "State of Michigan." This fee is not deducted from the final cost of the Michigan Historical Marker. The Michigan History Center will send a letter to confirm receipt of the application and payment.

The application and materials are reviewed by center staff and a recommendation is presented to the Michigan Historical Commission whether the site qualifies for a Michigan Historical Marker.

Once your application is accepted, an Eastern Michigan University graduate student guided by faculty will verify the research and work with you as they prepare the draft text for the marker. After you accept the draft text, it will be presented to the Michigan Historical Commission. The commission will approve, table or reject the text, and determines the final wording of the marker. If you disagree with historical information in the marker text, you must submit primary source documentation to support your position.

If your site is not already on the State Register of Historic Sites, upon commission approval of the marker text, a site number will be assigned and your site will be listed. When that happens, you will receive a letter with that information as well as delivery and installation instructions. It will also ask you to send a check for the cost of the marker to the Michigan History Center, which will order your marker for you. You should allow at least 24-36 weeks for the manufacture and delivery of your marker. You are responsible for installing your marker and any costs related to installation.

Once you have received your marker, you can start planning your marker dedication ceremony and notify us of the date. Whenever possible, a member of the Michigan Historical Commission will attend your ceremony to present the marker. You may want to inform state and local government officials, local historical societies and local media that your marker is being installed and dedicated.

Updated 03/11/2025