An anonymous donor has pledged $100,000 to support the Michigan History Foundation’s efforts for the Heart of the Great Turtle Island project in Straits State Park.
The project will recenter the interpretation of of the Heart of the Great Turtle Island/Gchi Mshiiken Deh Minising site around the Anishinaabeg, whose history provides context for Father Marquette’s experiences in the region.
“This project is important to centering local voices, cultures, and people,” stated Sandra Clark, Director of the Michigan History Center. “By putting Father Marquette’s experiences into the context of the people who lived at the Straits for generations before he arrived and creating spaces that are accessible and impactful for all Michigan residents, we are able to share often untold stories of the region with all our visitors.”
The project work includes funding for a flexible learning commons to house exhibitions and a year-round meeting space for workshops, classes and conversations. It will also create new, permanent structures at the Powwow Grounds. Included will be refreshed and new interpretive trails, site interpretation through art installations, exhibits, public events, and education programs.
Bid documents for the Phase One learning commons and Powwow Grounds are out now. Other funders for the project include the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Natural Resources Trust Fund, and generous Michigan businesses, organizations, and individuals.
“We are incredibly grateful for this grant and to each of our donors,” said Don Cooper, President of the Michigan History Foundation board. “These dollars will allow us to make substantial progress to the completion of Phase One of this project, so the community in Northern Michigan can begin to learn with and celebrate our rich Anishinaabe history.”
Individuals interested in contributing to the project are welcome to donate and learn more here. Learn more about the Michigan History Foundation, ongoing projects and initiatives, and Michigan historical sites statewide at michiganhistory.org/initiatives.
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