Michigan Civil War Blog

MHC Annual Report

Recently adopted by the Michigan Historical Commission, including a discussion of Michigan's participation in the Civil War Sesquicentennial, it is available here: Heritage report

Or here: Download SOM Heritage Report 2011

Commission meeting tomorrow

The Michigan Historical Commission will hold its first 2012 meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Michigan Historical Center. There's a full agenda, including time for the Civil War Sesquicentennial update. More to follow.

The State CWS committee website was updated last Friday and is found here -- MiCWSCommittee -- along with the most recent iteration of the CWS Work Plan, as of October 27, 2011.

A great man is gone

I awoke this morning, brewed my coffee, and sat down to peruse the two Detroit newspapers online when, to my astonishment, the headlines told of the passing of Samuel Logan, Jr. of Detroit. I scarce can believe it. Sam attended the December meeting of the Michigan Historical Commission and, at 78, looked and sounded great. He made a crack about having been a paratrooper -- and I rejoindered that I thought a plane was something designed that you did not jump out of, and Sam gave that hearty chuckle of his. And now I'm reading his obit, through moist eyes ...

The stories give his extensive and honored bio ("a legendary Detroit newsman"; publisher of the Michigan Chronicle; veteran; father; and so on ...) and extol his service to his community and his State (here's but one example: Freep). It is the Detroit News that has the best picture, his head cocked at a bit of an angle with a hint of a smile, impeccably dressed as always, and his bright eyes looking a bit off into the future. He was unique. He truly was a man of greatness.

The accounts don't seem to reference his service on the Commission, where I had the privilege of getting to know and work with him since June 2007. When a friend of mine embroidered shirts for commissioners with the Pure Michigan logo, he was one of the members who wanted one to wear, proudly. His contributions on the Commission and to Michigan history should not be overlooked. Most recently, the Chronicle published a series of three articles on the Civil War Sesquicentennial (see an earlier post here) that sought to reach out to its readership and tell why this most important commemoration should resonate.

He was a positive life force, a gentleman, an advocate. The next meeting, and future meetings, of the Commission will not be the same without him.

"...and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty." -- 1 Samuel 20:18 (KJV)

New Commissioner Appointed, and He's a Civil War Enthusiast!

Breaking news from Lansing (well, as of last Friday, the 22d): Governor Snyder has appointed Brian Egen of The Henry Ford to a position on the Michigan Historical Commission. Brian is referred to as a Civil War historian in this interview from a few weeks ago when THF exhibited the Emancipation Proclamation: WDET Here's a link to the app't announcement: MHC Appt

Although he replaces James McConnell, the other good news is that Jim still sits on the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and still remains as an active member of the MHC's Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. And he is a long-time devotee of Michigan history.

All good.

Michigan Marker Spotlight

One of the pleasurable tasks of the Michigan Historical Commission is to review and approve State Historical Markers. Tomorrow, as folks make their way up I-75 and US-127 to the DRC Mackinac conference, they have, just south of Grayling, the opportunity to pay a visit to the second of the Michigan Conservation Trail markers.

This cool marker celebrates -- not all markers are able to be so celebratory -- the effort to save the Kirtland Warbler from extinction. The marker is conveniently located at the rest area on the east side of I-75 north of exit/mile marker 251. You won't be able to miss it.

Here's the marker weblink: Warbler.  Here's the press release: Download Warbler_CS_ And here are some great pics:

Yesterday in Michigan History

From MIRS:

"On This Day In Michigan History
On May 28, 1913, the Michigan Historical Commission organized at Lansing. ....

Source: Mich-Again's Day"

So, only three more to go til 100...

Historical Commission reappointment

"Below is a list of appointments made by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on March 25, 2010.

...

Appointments subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate:

...

Michigan Historical Commission

Mr. John M. Dempsey of 9400 Northampton, Plymouth, Michigan 48170, county of Wayne, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing May 22, 2010 and expiring May 21, 2014."

Michigan and the Civil War Sesquicentennial

At the Michigan Historical Commission's most recent meeting on November 19th, a revised workplan -- based on public input and comment -- for the Sesquicentennial commemoration was approved. It will no doubt be posted on the appropriate website down the road, but here it is as well: Download MHC CWS plan

Civil War Sesquicentennial workplan

The Michigan Historical Commission holds its final 2009 meeting tomorrow, and on the agenda is a discussion of the CWS (among, of course, other things).

Progress continues...

MHC Annual Report

The Commission's and Michigan Historical Center's report to the people of Michigan for 2008 is now available on the web: Report. The "State of Heritage" report contains info on an assessment of where things stand and what needs to be done, along with the Commission's action plan.

It'd be nice if people posted reactions on it here...