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State Symbols

The official state symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each state or the entire United States

Michigan Symbols

Michigan Symbols

Bird, Fish, Flag, Flower, Fossil, Game Mammal, Gem, Historical Society, Motto, Nicknames, Reptile, Seal, Soil, Song, Stone, Tree, Unofficial Song, Wild Flower

Michigan State Historical Society

Historical Society of Michigan

Adopted in 2002.

Michigan State Historical Society was designated an official state symbol of Michigan in 2002.

On Thursday Governor John Engler signed into law Public Act 319 designating the Historical Society of Michigan as the State's official historical society.

Territorial Governor Lewis Cass and explorer/surveyor Henry Schoolcraft founded the Historical Society of Michigan in 1828, before Michigan became a state to foster appreciation and understanding of Michigan's history and promote the collection and preservation of state and local history. It continues their vision into the 21st Century. The Historical Society of Michigan is a member supported non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It receives no support for operations from any level of government.

"Being designated as the official historical society for the State of Michigan enhances the Society's efforts to fulfill its mission" said Executive Director Larry J. Wagenaar. "Part of our work involves leadership of the many local and regional historical organizations statewide and educational efforts that reach everyone from elementary school to seniors. The State of Michigan's acknowledgement of our leadership is very important to us."

The Historical Society of Michigan sponsors Michigan History Day, a competition for students in 4th -12th grade, hosts two annual history conferences in the lower and upper peninsulas, sponsors regular workshops and tours, and is involved in many aspects promoting Michigan's past. It also publishes the Chronicle & Newsletter and distributes the Michigan Historical Review.

The original legislation was introduced by Representative Thomas George (R-Portage). "The state's choice of the Historical Society of Michigan as its "official" historical society, acknowledges the important role the Society plays in promoting our state's past," commented George. "It validates the work the Society has done for the last 174 years promoting Michigan history."

Although not a part of government, the Historical Society of Michigan also works regularly with Michigan's new Department of History, Arts and Libraries. As an example, this week both organizations co-hosted a Maritime Conference in Lansing. For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan or membership details:

Contact Info

The Historical Society of Michigan 1305 Abbott Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-1828 Fax: (517) 324-4370 e-mail: hsm@hsmichigan.org

State Symbols

State symbols represent things that are special to a particular state.

symbol \ˈsim-bəl\
noun

Etymology:
in sense 1, from Late Latin symbolum, from Late Greek symbolon, from Greek, token, sign; in other senses from Latin symbolum token, sign, symbol, from Greek symbolon, literally, token of identity verified by comparing its other half, from symballein to throw together, compare, from syn- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date: 15th century

1: Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.