Michigan's Historical Marker Program was established in 1955. The first official historical marker was dedicated on October 22, 1955, at Michigan State University in East Lansing. Since then, more than 2,500 sites have been placed in the state register and approximately 1,500 markers have been erected, making it one of the largest privately funded historical marker programs in the nation. Today, the Michigan Historical Marker program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, and is a vital part of the Michigan Historical Center's effort to assist the citizens of Michigan in the identification, designation and protection of historic properties. The Michigan Historical Commission holds the authority for approving the placement and wording of historical markers.

Michigan Historical Markers benefit communities and the entire state by sparking further interest in local history. Dedication ceremonies, which celebrate the installation of the markers, call attention to historic preservation efforts. Markers are well-documented histories, easily accessible to the public, and they reflect the importance a community places on its heritage. Markers help discourage some development projects by reminding decision-markers that the site is historically significant. In accordance with Public Act 488 of 2002, the owners of marked historic resources must follow the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation when making changes to the resource in order to ensure that the historic character will be retained. If the standards are not followed and a loss of historic integrity results, the owner may be asked to return the marker to the State Historic Preservation Office. (You may view Public Act 488 of 2002 by going to the Michigan Legislature website and searching the Michigan Compiled Laws for MCL 399.151-399.160.)

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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