THE 138TH ANNUAL MEETING &

State History ConferenceFOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION, VISIT WWW.HSMICHIGAN.ORG OR CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 692-1828

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN • MONROE, MICHIGAN • SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2012

HOSTED AND SPONSORED BY

ALSO SPONSORED BY

Friday, September 28

9-12 Pre-Conference Workshop

Monroe County Community College, La-Z-Boy Center, 1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe

Oral History for Local History Organizations and Genealogists Tamara Barnes, Historical Society of Michigan & James Cameron, Michigan Department of Education

This workshop will focus on the process of developing and implementing an oral history project including identifying interview subjects, developing a questionnaire, using digital technology, and making oral histories accessible to the public. Case studies will include the “African American Experience in Salem County Oral History Project,” showing how small historical museums and churches can benefit from such a program and how oral history can be used to complement the work of genealogists.

Conference attendees: $25. To register for the workshop only — HSM Members: $35, Non-members: $45

12-4 Conference Registration Quality Inn and Suites, 1225 N. Dixie Highway, Monroe

1-4 Pre-Conference Tours

Tours run CONCURRENTLY—Choose only one. Participants drive their own vehicles to start location of Tours 1 and 3.

Tour 1

River Raisin National Battlefield/War of 1812 (self-drive to tour location) 1403 E. Elm Avenue, Monroe

Tour participants will drive to the location of the battlefield in Monroe and take a personal tour led by historian Ralph Naveaux. Learn about this key battle in what is often referred to as the second war for independence. Walking is required. $15

Tour 2

The Museums of Monroe (Bus transport provided) Tour participants will board a bus leaving from the Quality Inn and Suites to visit the museums of Monroe, including the La-Z-Boy Museum, Navarre-Anderson Trading Post, Labor History Museum, and the Monroe County Historical Museum. Guides will be at each site. $15

Tour 3

Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Motherhouse (self-drive to tour location) 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe Participants will meet at the IHM Motherhouse to tour the historically significant building situated on 210 acres. Constructed in 1932 in the American Craftsman style, it features inlaid decorative tile floors, exposed beams in the hallways and much more. A chapel forms the central wing of the Motherhouse with a magnificent organ overlooking the main floor. An archives for the order is located on site. Tour leader will be Sister Mary Jo Maher. $15

4:30 President’s Reception

Monroe County Community College, La-Z-Boy Center,1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe Publication State History Awards presented at 5 pm.

6:00 State History Awards Banquet

Monroe County Community College, La-Z-Boy Center See box at right.

Saturday, September 29

8-12 Conference Registration

Monroe County Community College, La-Z-Boy Center 1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe

8:30 Annual HSM Business Meeting

9:00 Opening Keynote

Register online at www.hsmichigan.org or call toll-free (800) 692-1828

Opening Keynote 9 AM

Remember the Raisin! The Story of Michigan’s Greatest Battlefield

Ralph Naveaux, Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

This presentation will focus on the fateful battles of the River Raisin during the War of 1812, the events leading up to the tragic confrontation at Frenchtown, and the aftermath, including the subsequent development of the field of battle into a national battlefield park.

State History Awards Banquet 6 PM

An Evening with George A. Custer

Portrayed by Steve Alexander

Publication awards will be presented at the President’s Reception and non-publication

awards after dinner.

Sponsored by:

MonroeInfo.com

10-11:15 Concurrent Sessions I

Breakout 1

The Boy Governor Stevens T. Mason and the Birth of Michigan Politics Don Faber, Author and Journalist

In death, he was called “a statesman of enlarged views,” and in life he flared like a comet across the skies of early Michigan. Stevens T. Mason, who served as acting governor before he was of voting age, led Michigan into statehood, fought a war with Ohio, and put in place many of the institutions the state enjoys today. Although he knew humiliation and disgrace, Mason wrote his persona on Michigan in large letters, and he stands in the front ranks of our state’s great men and women.

Breakout 2

Fermi Fuel Melting Incident: A Nuclear Accident Long Before Three Mile Island

Earl Page, Nuclear Safety Engineer and Risk Analyst at Fermi 2, Retired

In 1966, long before the well-known Three Mile Island accident, a fuel melting incident occurred at Fermi 1, a liquid metal fast breeder prototype reactor south of Detroit. Fermi operators were challenged to discover its cause and to effect a repair. Learn how this event unfolded and what was learned.

Breakout 3

Industrial History of Monroe County Rob Peven, Monroe County Planning Director

Monroe has a long and unique industrial history that continues to this day. Monroe County’s planning director will share the story of major and minor companies that had an impact on Michigan and beyond; some of the successes, challenges, and failures; where the county is now; and plans for the future.

Breakout 4 - Mini-Workshop

What is Real? How to Detect Reprints of Newspapers Rick Brown, HistoryBuff.com

There have been more than 600 newspaper editions that were reprinted—and 95 percent of them were produced well over 100 years ago! To the untrained eye, many of these specimens appear to be original. Using a reprint detector’s kit, attendees will ferret out what is real and what is not.

11:15-11:45 Exhibits Open & Networking Time

11:45-1:30 Luncheon and Keynote

1:30-2:45 Concurrent Sessions II

Breakout 5

The Tragic Effect of Michigan’s Indian Policy on Monroe County’s Native Pottawatomi Dorothy Heinlen, Dundee Old Mill Museum and Monroe County Historical Commission

This session will explore Michigan’s Indian Policy and its dramatic impact on Monroe County’s Native Americans. The presenter will discuss what happened to their reserve, the human toll these policies took, and how they have coped through the years.

Breakout 6

Remember the Ladies: Women in Michigan Politics Judy Karandjeff, League of Women Voters

While women make up 51 percent of the population, the number who serve in public office does not reflect that percentage. Judy Karandjeff will highlight historical and current female political figures who have had an impact in Michigan politics. She will also share data on women in politics, and discuss some of the reasons women do—and do not—run for office. She will also describe resources that are available to help women who are considering public service.

Breakout 7

“The Eyes of the Nation Are On Monroe”: The Newton Steel Strike Jim DeVries, Monroe County Community College

For a brief 10-day period in the Spring of 1937, the eyes of the nation were on Monroe. Local history became national, and the entire community marched forth on center stage to play a significant role in the pivotal "Little Steel" strike of 1937. Oral histories completed with the participants in the 1980s provide a “new” slant on the meaning of the flow of events.

Luncheon Keynote - 11:45 AM

Michigan Historic Sites from a National Perspective

Mary A. Bomar National Park Service Director, Retired

Nationally known speaker and champion for resource preservation, the Honorable Mary A. Bomar will emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation in ensuring a bright future for cultural resources as she

highlights Michigan’s National Parks.

Annual Meeting Raffle will follow the speaker

R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M

138th Annual Meeting and State History Conference September 28-30, 2012

La-Z-Boy Center, Monroe County Community College, Monroe Registration Deadline: September 21, 2012

Last Name: ________________________ First: ______________________ First name for badge: _____________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: __________

Daytime Phone # ______________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________

Additional attendees: _______________________________ _______________________________

Address: _______________________________ _______________________________

City/State/Zip: _______________________________ _______________________________

Special meals: Vegetarian: __Yes __No Please CIRCLE names above that require vegetarian meals.

Regular conference fees include Friday awards reception and banquet, Saturday refreshments and lunch, Sunday morning tour, and all regular sessions. Saturday Day-Only registration includes all Saturday daytime sessions and lunch.

Pre-conference workshop and tours and the Saturday evening banquet at the IHM Motherhouse are additional. No refunds after 9/21/2012

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday Evening Banquet is NOT included with Regular OR Saturday Day-Only Registration

HSM Members:

Regular Conference Registration—HSM Member ____ @ $149 $ ____________ Includes Friday awards reception/banquet, Saturday lunch, and Sunday tour but NOT Saturday evening event (ticketed separately below)

Saturday Day-Only Registration—HSM Member ____ @ $109 $ ____________

Add Saturday Eve Event at the IHM Motherhouse—HSM Member ____ @ $35 $ ____________ This event is an add-on and is NOT included with either registration level above.

Non-members:

Regular Conference Registration—Non-member ____ @ $179 $ ____________ (Includes one-year HSM Basic membership)

Saturday Day-Only Registration—Non-member ____ @ $139 $ ____________ (Includes one-year HSM Basic membership)

Add Saturday Eve Event at the IHM Motherhouse—Non-member ____ @ $40 $ ____________ This event is an add-on and is NOT included with either registration level above.

Pre-Conference Workshop, Tours and Conference Polo Shirt: NOTE: Pre-conference TOURS run CONCURRENTLY. Choose only ONE TOUR per person.

Oral History Workshop* ____ at $25 $ ____________

TOURS: River Raisin Battlefield/War of 1812 (Self-drive to tour location) ____ at $15 $ ____________ Museums of Monroe (Bus transportation to museums) ____ at $15 $ ____________ (If registering for multiple people, please indicate WHO is taking WHICH tour)

Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Motherhouse (Self-drive to tour location) ____ at $15 $ ____________ Conference Polo Shirt __S __M __L __ XL __ XXL ____ at $20 $ ____________

*$25 workshop fee when registering for the conference. If registering only for the workshop, see workshop description for fee.

Monroe County resident discount if applicable (see page 4 for discount information) $ - ____________

TOTAL ENCLOSED: ________________

___ Check Enclosed ___ Credit Card Credit Card # __________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _______ CVV Code*: ________ Billing zip code: __________ Signature: _______________________

*CVV Code is printed on the back of Visa, Master Card, and Discover cards (three digits); on the front of American Express cards (four digits).

Mail to: 2012 State History Conference, HSM, 5815 Executive Drive, Lansing, MI 48911 or FAX to (517) 324-4370

or register by phone toll-free at (800) 692-1828 or online at www.hsmichigan.org

Conference Hotel

Quality Inn & Suites

Special State History Conference Rate

$75.00/night

A special rate of $75 is in place for 2012 State History Conference

attendees. To make a reservation for the State History Conference, call the Quality Inn & Suites of Monroe at:

(734) 242-6000

Ask for the “State History Conference rate” when reserving your room.

Registration Discount for Monroe County Residents

HSM is offering a registration discount to residents of Monroe County, the location of our hosts, the Monroe County Historical Museum and

Monroe County Community College.

The discount is $30 off the Regular Conference Registration or $20 off of

Saturday Day-Only Registration.

Your primary residence must be in Monroe County to qualify for

this discount.

Breakout 8 - Mini-workshop

Preserving Windows to the Past: The Handling and Storage of Scrapbooks Kristen Lynn Chinery, Archivist

Scrapbooks have been a popular means of collecting memories for generations and provide a unique record of everyday life. With their assortment of photographs, newspaper clippings, pressed flowers, badges, invitations, and postcards, these windows into the past can be a preservation challenge. Archivist Kristen Chinery will discuss simple methods for the handling and storage of scrapbooks that will ensure continued access to these historical items.

2:45-3:15 Refreshment Break—Exhibits open

3:15-4:30 Concurrent Sessions III

Breakout 9

Before God and the Devil: The Black Legion, 1925-1936 Edmund La Clair, Monroe County Community College

In 1925, disillusioned members of the Klu Klux Klan created a secret vigilante organization to breathe vibrancy into the corrupt Klan. By 1936, America watched in shock as police uncovered evidence of arsons, murders, and even plots to overthrow the government. History professor Edmund La Clair will discuss the evolution and activities of the notorious Black Legion from its inception up through the organization’s collapse.

Breakout 10

The Boys of '61: The Michigan Battery Matthew Switlik, Monroe County Historical Museum, Retired

This presentation takes a look at the personnel, motivation, and operations of Michigan’s first artillery unit in the Civil War. Later known as “Loomis’ Battery,” it had a unique origin which affected its history throughout the war and into postwar reunions. An extensive collection of veteran photos, collected in 1895, is central to the presentation.

Breakout 11

El Museo del Norte: A Museum Without Walls Jennifer Garcia Peacock, Graduate Student, American Culture Department, University of Michigan Elena Herrada, Director, Fronteras Norteñas Maria Cotera, Associate Professor, American Culture Department, University of Michigan

Since 2009, the University of Michigan has been collaborating with community groups in southwest Detroit to create a grass roots museum and cultural center that could document the historical presence of Latinos in Michigan. After much thought, stakeholders decided to develop a "museum without walls" that would bring greater attention to the long history of Latinos in the region and raise awareness about the need for a center that documents this history. This session will talk about the challenges and successes that the project has encountered as well as highlight some of the unique history Latinos bring to the region.

Breakout 12 - Mini-workshop

Diversity Outreach through Creative Collaborations

Christopher Lee, University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s Eisenberg Institute, the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County and the Historical Society of Michigan recently joined forces to expand diversity outreach in history. Christopher Lee, a PhD candidate in U-M’s School of Education, will share his experiences and challenges as he worked to expand Michigan History Day participation in Southeast Michigan’s urban school districts. He will also discuss his projects in Ann Arbor and offer insight into what he sees as the challenges and opportunities for diversity outreach among historical institutions.

Register online at www.hsmichigan.org or call toll-free (800) 692-1828

5815 Executive Dr. Lansing, MI 48911

State History Conference September 28-30, 2012

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 512

Lansing, MI

7777777776:7730 Closing Banquet & Keynote

IHM Motherhouse, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe

PLEASE NOTE: This special event is NOT included with your conference registration and requires a separate ticket. Members $35, Non-members $40. Due to the location of the banquet, only non-alcoholic refreshments will be available.

Sunday, September 30

9:00-10:30 Historic Downtown Monroe Walking Tour Tour departs from the Monroe County Historical Museum, 126 S. Monroe St.

Chris Kull, Monroe County Historical Museum John Patterson, Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau

As we close the 2012 State History Conference, join us for a Sunday morning walking tour of historic downtown Monroe. Founded in 1785 and incorporated in 1817, Monroe is Michigan’s third oldest city and is the site of a War of 1812 battlefield. Three historic districts, including the central business district, have been established. Many of the buildings in the central business district are over 100 years old.

Closing Banquet & Keynote 6:30 PM (ticket required)

War of 1812 Film and Commentary

Christopher Cook, Writer/Producer James McConnell, War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

Twenty-five years before it became a state, Michigan was a key battleground in the War of 1812. From Monroe to Mackinac, from Detroit to the Soo, Michi-gan was the site of several key conflicts between Great Britain and the United

States in this struggle that cemented the boundaries and governments of North America. Hear the stories of what has been called America’s second War of

Independence. Learn about the British capture of Mackinac, the American sur-render of Detroit, and the crucial battles fought in Monroe County. Discover the fascinating story of Oliver Williams, a Detroit merchant, and his sloop, Friends Good Will. This film was produced by Metrocom International for the War of

1812 Bicentennial Commission, with key support from DTE Energy, the Michi-gan Humanities Council, and the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial

Steering Committee.

2012 State History Conference Planning Committee

Larry J. Wagenaar, Chair Historical Society of Michigan

Scott Bentley National Park Service

Robert Clark City of Monroe

Chuck Estep Monroe County Intermediate School District

Christine Kull Monroe County Historical Museum

Edmund La Clair Monroe Community College

Ralph Naveaux Monroe County Historical Museum, Retired

John Patterson Monroe County Convention and Tourism Bureau

Matthew Switlik Museum and Collectors Specialties

Mary Anne Smith Conference Administrator

Historical Society of Michigan