May 20, 2014 Voice Your Opinion About Enhancing Our Historic and Cultural Sites Please take a few minutes to answer the eight questions on the Survey Monkey questionnaire at <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWTX2QB> https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWTX2QB. In September 2012, the Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel submitted a report to Governor Rick Snyder that included heritage resources in its vision for a vibrant system of parks, trails and recreation throughout our state. The first paragraph reads: "Michigan's natural resources are the foundation of a world-class parks and outdoor recreation system. The state's abundant, high-quality, and-in many instances-globally unique natural, cultural, historic and prehistoric resources include the Great Lakes and beaches, inland lakes and streams, grass lands, forests, and historic and cultural sites (such as battlefields, lighthouses, ancient burial grounds and birthplaces of notable Michigan residents). These must be protected and enhanced to grow Michigan's economy and improve the well-being of our residents and visitors." Last year, an ad hoc group of regional and statewide heritage organization leaders was convened by the Michigan Historical Commission, the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan Historical Center, calling itself the Michigan Heritage Leadership Council. It began meeting to discuss ways our sector can contribute to the vision set out by this report. One avenue is to increase the incorporation of cultural heritage resources into trails and parks. A first step toward achieving this goal is to get a better handle on what is already going on across the state. This is where you come in. Please take a few minutes to answer the eight questions on the Survey Monkey questionnaire at <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWTX2QB> https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWTX2QB. The survey also gives you an opportunity to indicate interest in working on this goal in your part of the state. For more information on the Michigan Heritage Leadership Council's thinking, see <http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-54463-325084--,00.html> http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-54463-325084--,00.html. To find the full report Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel visit <http://pscinc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ZHl-PRDlZ-U%3d&tabid=65> http://pscinc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ZHl-PRDlZ-U%3d&tabid=65 Thanks for your help! _____ _____ The Historical Society of Michigan is our state's oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan's rich history. _____ For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan, please visit <http://www.hsmichigan.org/> www.hsmichigan.org or e-mail us at <mailto:hsm@hsmichigan.org> hsm@hsmichigan.org. _____ The Historical Society of Michigan 5815 Executive Dr. . Lansing, MI 48911 Phone: (517) 324-1828 . FAX: (517) 324-4370 A New Workshop Has Just Been Added to Our Lineup. Basic Film Preservation Friday, July 25 <http://www.hsmichigan.org/programs/workshops/> To learn more about this new workshop or learn about the other workshops that we offer, please visit our website at www.hsmichigan.org. _____ Seeking Nominations for the State History Awards Each year, the Historical Society of Michigan presents State History Awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and understanding of Michigan history. The awards are presented at the annual State History Conference and recognize the excellence of achievement by an individual or organization in the collection, preservation, and/or promotion of state and local history. <http://www.hsmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2014-State-History-Awa rd-Nomination.pdf> To nominate an individual or organization for a State History Award, please complete and submit the 2014 State History Award Nomination Form. This e-mail is sent to our members and friends to keep you updated on historical activities and opportunities to learn more about our state's history. To opt-out, please respond to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject line.