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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 30, 2004
Contact: Scott Hirko, Public Relations Officer
(517) 372-7770 -- shirko [at] michiganhumanities.org

HUMANITIES COUNCIL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH AWARDS

Dr. William Anderson of Ludington, Dr. Marilyn Williamson of Bloomfield Hills, MSU Museum recognized

(DEARBORN)-----Today, the Michigan Humanities Council honored two individuals and one organization for Outstanding Contributions to the Humanities at its 30th Anniversary Celebration this evening at the Henry Ford Museum. Dr. William Anderson of Ludington received an award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Humanities in Michigan”; Dr. Marilyn Williamson of Bloomfield Hills received an award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Michigan Humanities Council”; and, the Michigan State University Museum received an award for “Most Outstanding Humanities Project, 1974-2004,” for its Folklife Festivals.

Outstanding Contribution to the Humanities in Michigan – Dr. William Anderson

This award recognizes the leadership and initiative provided by an individual in contributing to the humanities in our state of general benefit to the public. Dr. Anderson’s vision and leadership for the public humanities have been demonstrated throughout his career in the state of Michigan. In his most recent role as the director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), he has been instrumental in demonstrating the value and importance of the humanities across the state. Dr. Anderson has succeeded in making historical, artistic, cultural, and collaborative humanities programs part of the discussions at the highest levels of state government.

Christie Brandau, the State Librarian and a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Humanities Council stated: “As the person chosen to be the very first Director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, Bill Anderson exemplifies the best in the humanities. His hard work and vision has made HAL and the humanities stronger in Michigan.”

Outstanding Contributions to the Michigan Humanities Council – Dr. Marilyn Williamson

This award recognizes the leadership and initiative of an individual in contributing to the mission and objectives of the Michigan Humanities Council. Dr. Marilyn Williamson’s leadership and vision of the Council, her professional experiences, her interpersonal skills, her warmth and compassion served as an influential force in shaping the Michigan Humanities Council’s mission and programming for 14 years. She served as Council chairperson in 1991 and was elected Chairperson of the Federation of State Humanities Councils in 1997.
Ron Means, Former Director of the Michigan Humanities Council, stated: “Marilyn has an excellent feel for interpersonal relations, for encouraging people to come together to get things done… She is the conscience of the Michigan Humanities Council.”

Most Outstanding Humanities Project, 1974-2004

This award recognizes the most outstanding project funded by the Michigan Humanities Council in its 30-year history. Almost annually since 1990, Michigan Humanities Council has helped sponsor a humanities program at the Michigan State University Museum’s Festival of Michigan Folklife, which today has grown into the Great Lakes Folk Festival. These festivals have consistently demonstrated effective ways for humanities scholars to engage the general public in the exploration of humanities :issues, especially those pertaining to ethnicity, occupation, regionality, religion, and cultural identity. Over the years, these festivals have enabled humanities scholars to reach thousands of visitors to the festivals and thousands more through the dissemination of related web-based, print, and media products.

Timothy Lloyd, Executive Director at the American Folklore Society and Adjunct Professor of English at The Ohio State University, stated: “For those of us working in the field of folklore in the Great Lakes region, the Folklife Festivals serve as the major focus for the public presentation of our regional traditions and as a model for its behind-the-scenes partnerships that set the standard for effective folklore work. When I need to cite an example of best practices in our field, I choose this event.”

The Michigan Humanities Council celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a presentation by Dr. Bruce Cole, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, an address from Governor Jennifer Granholm, music from award-winning Detroit jazz musician Marcus Belgrave, and a limited edition Commemorative Publication highlighting 30 outstanding projects funded by the Council since 1974.

Michigan Humanities Council, founded in 1974, is the state's private, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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