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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 25, 2004
Contact: Scott Hirko, Public Relations Officer
(517) 372-7770 -- shirko [at] michiganhumanities.org

GOVERNOR GRANHOLM TO CHAIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION; NEH CHAIR BRUCE COLE AS GUEST SPEAKER

Council currently welcoming nominations for three humanities awards

(LANSING)-----Michigan Humanities Council announces that Governor Jennifer Granholm will serve as Honorary Chair of its 30th Anniversary Celebration at The Henry Ford in Dearborn on September 30, 2004. In addition, the Council is pleased to announce that Bruce Cole, Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, will be the guest speaker at the event. Michigan Humanities Council also seeks nominations from the public for three awards to honor individuals and organizations who have contributed to the humanities in our state.

“Michigan Humanities Council is pleased to have reached this milestone,” said Jan Fedewa, Executive Director of Michigan Humanities Council. “This event will provide an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the contributions of the Council to Michigan’s citizens the past 30 years. We have a renewed sense of accomplishment and the celebration will begin to set the stage for the years ahead.”

Michigan Humanities Council’s 30th Anniversary Celebration will feature a reception, music from award-winning jazz musician Marcus Belgrave, a reflection on the humanities by National Endowment for the Humanities Chair Bruce Cole, dinner served on the floor of The Henry Ford museum, and an awards ceremony. As Honorary Chair, Governor Granholm has been invited to give welcoming remarks. Attendees may also tour the museum after the event concludes.

The Council currently welcomes nominations from the public for three humanities awards: Individual Contribution to the Humanities in Michigan Award; Individual Contributions to Michigan Humanities Council Award; and, Outstanding Michigan Humanities Project (1974-2004). Information on each of these awards, eligibility requirements, and nomination forms are available via Michigan Humanities Council’s website at michiganhumanities.org/anniversary or by calling 517-372-7770. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30, 2004.

The awards are being designed by noted sculptor Stephen Kosinski of Ann Arbor. Kosinski’s work has been critically acclaimed by the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, New York Times, and Better Homes & Gardens. His works have been included in exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Arts; the Art Forms Expo at Chicago’s Navy Pier; the Styling Gallery in Osaka, Japan; and at the Javitz Center in New York City.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for the event. Ticket prices are: $125 for General Admission; $300 for Benefactor tickets; and $500 for Partner tickets. Those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase their tickets early; the museum has limited seating space. Tickets and other information is available on-line at michiganhumanities.org/anniversary or by calling 517-372-7770.

As the state’s nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council has provided programs and services to Michigan citizens in virtually all corners of the state since its inception in 1974. The Council has awarded more than 1,500 grants to community organizations such as libraries, universities, K-12 schools, museums, festivals, and hundreds of other nonprofit organizations. Through the grants program, the Council has reached citizens to effectively develop a better understanding of heritage and history and to engage in community dialogue.

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, and award nominations, please visit Michigan Humanities Council’s website at michiganhumanities.org/anniversary, call the Council office at 517-372-7770, or email Scott Hirko, Michigan Humanities Council’s Public Relations Officer, at shirko [at] michiganhumanities.org

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