The U.P. is a place rich in history, and many good people are working hard to keep it that way through a number of historical preservation efforts in the region. Two sets of recent awards for historic preservation included U.P. projects among the award winners.
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network announced that the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace was the recipient of one of the network's Community Awards for historic preservation. That's one of seven categories in which awards are given yearly.
The Community Award is given to a community group like a neighborhood association or historical society that has undertaken a comprehensive plan for a historic preservation project. The Museum of Ojibwa Culture has undergone a years-long renovation of the historic Old Mission Church, where the museum is located, with the help of local contractors, businesses, governments and individuals. It now serves as a community landmark and cultural center for the town's historic downtown area.
The second set of awards were presented by Gary Heidel, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and are the 2011 Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation.
"May is National Historic Preservation Month, so today was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the great work taking place in Michigan," says Heidel. "The Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation give us an opportunity to recognize some of the people behind the projects that are making a difference in Michigan."
In Calumet, Chris and Abbey Green received a Governor's Award for their rehabilitation of 811 Portland Street.
The awards are sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office, part of MSHDA, and began in 2003. The city of Calumet was a prior recipient for its façade rehabilitation program.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Gary Heidel, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
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