What’s happening: Rural Michigan’s most historic sites and buildings were well represented among the 11 total Michigan sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently announced. Of those 11 historically significant properties to have been added to the National Register in the past year, roughly half can be found in the state’s more rural communities.
Who made it: Those historically and culturally significant buildings and sites added in the past year can be found throughout small town Michigan, including the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, William and Lovila Moore House in Caro, Capri Drive-In Theatre in Coldwater, Rogers Theatre in Rogers City, and Vicksburg Union Depot in Vicksburg. Other highlights in the state include Hart Plaza in Detroit and Washington Apartments in Lansing.
Why it’s important: “The common thread that runs through these historic places is the idea of community,” says National Register Coordinator Todd Walsh. “These are places where we come together as family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate, to laugh, to share, and even to mourn; places where we say hello and goodbye. Each of these places is a reflection of our shared history and humanity. They tell us the stories of our past and have the power to bring us together as Michiganders.”
What it does: Being listed in the National Register of Historic Places offers property owners new opportunities for preservation and restoration, with various grants and tax credits now available to the current owners of the building: the Presque Isle District Library (PIDL). The National Park Service operates the National Register of Historic Places, with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administering the program in-state.
What it means: “The National Register recognition of the Vicksburg Union Depot is a remarkable achievement for our small community,” says Leah Milowe, museum administrator and curator at the Vicksburg Historical Society and Historic Village. “Beyond the unique architecture and historical significance of the Vicksburg Union Depot, I see this designation as a testament to the dedicated volunteers who preserved the building and transformed it into a community museum and cornerstone of Vicksburg history. With their hard work and this recognition, it is my hope that the Depot continues to impress visitors with its architectural charm and spark memories, both old and new.”
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